Citroen has appointed Karl Howkins as its new UK managing director.
He will take on the role from 1 June, replacing Bek Hassan, who is transferring to a senior position with PSA Group in Paris.
Howkins is currently managing director of Opel in Switzerland, a position he has held since July 2016.
Prior to that, his most recent roles were UK deputy managing director of Fiat Chrysler, managing director of Opel Netherlands and fleet operations director for Vauxhall.
Howkins started his career as a management trainee in a Vauxhall dealership.
He said: “I am delighted to return to the UK at such an exciting time in the development of the Citroën brand.
“With a raft of new products on the horizon, including the flagship new C5 Aircross SUV this autumn, the opportunities are fantastic to drive profitable growth with our dealer partners.”
Peugeot Citroen UK director general Stephane Le Guevel said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome Karl to the team as Citroën UK’s new managing director. “The Citroën brand will launch several significant new products in the next few months, so I am pleased that Karl’s appointment is happening now.
“Citroën’s repositioning in line with its new ‘Inspired By You’ brand signature, is perfectly illustrated by its latest products, its advertising strategy and the new corporate identity for the dealer network.
“I am totally confident that Karl will build on these recent successes for the Citroën brand here in the UK.”
Le Guevel added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bek Hassan for everything he has done for the business over the past five years, and to congratulate him on his new head office role in Paris.”