Ford's dealer operations director Steve Hood has been named director of marketing in a major reshuffle at the carmaker's UK head offices. In his new role Hood succeeds Peter Fleet, while Morten Hannesbo becomes director sales, replacing Paul Van der Burgh.

Fleet moves to Ford of Europe as sales director while the company says Van der Burgh has left to “pursue a business opportunity outside Ford”.

Paul Thomas, Ford of Britain managing director, says: “As well as being Ford's biggest market outside the US, this is probably the toughest. Paul and Peter should be very proud of their achievements in this market.

“Without their successes we would not have been able to sustain our leading position, and would not be looking to the future with so much confidence.” Hood has worked for Ford in a variety of brand, strategy, finance and marketing functions since 1985. Morten Hannesbo joined Ford in 2000 and while based at Dunton, Essex, was responsible for the launch of the new Ford Fiesta. Latterly he was Ford of France director of strategy and operations.