The Volkswagen Group names a new UK boss as Alex Smith steps down after six years
Welcome to Movers and Shakers, a new Autocar Business feature covering the latest job moves from across the automotive industry.
This page will be updated regularly with all the biggest transfers, promotions and departures in the sector, covering everything you need to know.
Name: Damien O’Sullivan
Company: VW Group UK
Role: Managing director
Volkswagen Group UK has named Damien O’Sullivan as its new managing director, with Alex Smith leaving after six years at the helm.
O’Sullivan will take the top job in Milton Keynes on 1 December, having run Audi in Ireland for the last three years. Prior to that, he spent time in various positions within the VW Group in China and Taiwan, having joined the company’s sales division in 2009.
Smith, who has been with VWG UK for nearly 15 years, is leaving the company “at his own request” according to an official statement.
His tenure as VWG UK MD has coincided with one of the most turbulent and disruptive periods in automotive history, but he leaves the company in a strong position ahead of a transformative few years in which each of its brands are planning to launch crucial new models to the UK market.
“I’m very proud of everything the team and the networks have achieved in a period which has included Brexit, a pandemic, a supply crisis and the introduction of mass-market electromobility,” Smith said.
“With Volkswagen the UK’s number one passenger car brand, Audi at number two and both Skoda and Seat/Cupra achieving record market shares so far this year, as well as Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in number two position in the van market, it feels like the right time to hand over to Damien to continue building on Volkswagen Group’s market leading performance in the UK.”
Name: Xavier Martinet
Company: Hyundai Europe
Role: President and CEO
Dacia marketing chief Xavier Martinet will become the next president and CEO of Hyundai Europe.
Martinet replaces Michael Cole, who is retiring at the end of this year after four years in the top job.
Cole, who has been with the Hyundai Motor Group since 2009, said: “After more than 40 years in the automotive industry, it is now time to return to the UK to be with my family and to enjoy life beyond work.
“I have been incredibly fortunate to enjoy a career in such a dynamic industry and over the last 15 years to work at Hyundai Motor Group, the best and most progressive automotive organisation in the world.
“I am proud to have worked with a great team in Europe, who l know will ensure that Hyundai continues its exciting growth trajectory.”
Name: Christophe Georges
Company: Bentley
Role: Board member for sales and marketing
Bentley has promoted sales and marketing director Christophe Georges to a seat on its executive board.
Georges joined Bentley in 1998 and has held several key positions since, including two stints as its president and CEO for the Americas region.
“I am relishing the prospect of continuing to work closely with my colleagues to provide fresh momentum and direction as we grow our brand, our audience base and our entire sales and marketing operations,” said Georges.
Frank-Steffen Walliser, CEO of Bentley, added that Georges is “perfectly placed to realise our brand and sales ambitions”.
Name: James Crichton
Company: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Role: Regional director for the Middle East and Africa
James Crichton has been named as Rolls-Royce’s next regional director for the “hugely important” Middle East and Africa region.
Crichton has held a number of senior positions at the luxury car maker since 2010 and has worked as the general manager of its global sales operations for the past six years.
Julian Jenkins, Rolls-Royce’s director of sales and brand, said: “I am delighted to welcome James Crichton to his new role as regional director Middle East and Africa.
“James has more than 14 years of experience with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and has held several leading positions in the company during this time.
“This latest move to Dubai reunites him with the regional office he was asked to establish in 2011.
“Middle East and Africa is a hugely important region for our business, and I wish James continued success in his role leading the excellent team which serves the region.”
Name: Maria Grazia Davino
Company: BYD
Role: Regional managing director for Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Austria and the Czech Republic
Maria Grazia Davino has been announced as the new regional managing director for BYD in Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Austria and the Czech Republic.
The news comes days after she stepped down as managing director of Stellantis UK – a position she held since July 2023.
Stella Li, executive vice president of BYD, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Maria Grazia to our team. Her extensive experience and visionary leadership will be pivotal as we continue to grow and innovate in the European automotive landscape.”
Name: Eurig Druce
Company: Stellantis UK
Role: Managing director
Eurig Druce has been named as the next managing director of Stellantis UK, replacing Maria Grazia Davino.
Druce has worked in what is now Stellantis since 2001, having started as an apprentice with Peugeot UK in 2001.
He spent three years heading up Citroën’s British arm between 2020 and 2023 before serving as sales chief for Stellantis UK. He was named Peugeot UK boss in July this year and will continue in that role until his replacement is found.
Jean-Philippe Imparato, who was recently named as Stellantis’s new chief operating officer for the Enlarged Europe region, said: “I am delighted to be able to appoint Eurig Druce to this position. His proven track record in the country will provide continuity of our strategy in this important market.
