Renault UK has named Philippe Talou-Derible as managing director, fuelling speculation that the company is to move closer to its Nissan alliance partner.

Mr Talou-Derible was managing director at Renault Nissan Switzerland – the alliance's first wholly integrated sales organisation in Europe. He replaces Benoit Marzloff who becomes Renault senior vice president for strategy and marketing.

A Renault UK spokesman said: “Mr Talou-Derible understands how the two companies can share synergies and work closer together, but they will remain separate operations in the UK.”

The announcement is one of a number of high-profile appointments.

Helmut Panke will become BMW chairman and chief executive from May, replacing Joachim Milberg who is stepping down. Thierry Dombreval is to replace John Howett as senior vice president, sales and marketing for Toyota in Europe. Mr Howett becomes vice president in charge of Toyota's aftersales activities.

Audi has appointed Martin Winterkorn to chief executive officer from March, replacing Franz-Josef Paefgen who becomes manager of research at Volkswagen. (December 13, 2001)