Hazelwood comes to the role from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, where he was brand director for two years.

He has swapped roles with Chris Craft, who was recently appointed brand director for Volkswagen, having been brand director at Skoda.

Both appointments will be effective as of 1 March. Hazelwood joined Volkswagen in 2005 as head of group synergies and was appointed to the position of director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles the following year. Commenting on his appointment Hazelwood said: “It has been a great pleasure to work with everyone at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and take the brand on to record sales levels. “Skoda is another great brand with a strong future ahead of it and I look forward to being a key part of its success.”