Buckingham has overseen a period of unprecedented growth at R-M since his appointment to the top job in 1998, with turnover increasing from around £500,000 to more than £6m. The group now takes a comfortable six per cent market share, helped by its strong relationships with a network of independent local distributors.

He becomes country manager for the UK Refinish Division next month, taking on the duties of former Glasurit country manager Ali Azhar, who returns to BASF's US operations.

AM-online understands that the BASF board is dissatisfied with Glasurit's performance in the UK – the company has seen a succession of senior managers come and go since the mid-Nineties and its market share has been steadily falling.

“My objective is to put the BASF brands back where they belong at the top of their respective sectors and I'll be doing that by clearing away all those obstacles that may be in our way,” says Buckingham.

“Distributors and bodyshops can make a profit in this industry and we want all our customers, existing and new, to join in our success.”

He takes a side-swipe at BASF's paint refinish competitors when adding: “Communication is the key and I feel it has been sadly lacking in our market.”