Paul and Simon Dixon are leaving retail giant Dixon Motors as part of a massive management shake-up.

The father and son team, along with directors Sal Ciullo and Noel Parkinson, will leave the UK's tenth biggest retailer in “due course.”

Tony Peppard is to manage the £812m turnover business as acting chief operating officer. Shankar Ramanathan is promoted to deputy managing director with responsibility for sales, marketing and vehicle procurement.

The move means the motor retailer will work closer with the banking group, according to a statement issued by Dixon parent firm Royal Bank of Scotland.

It says: “We are now entering a new phase of closer alignment to the RBS Group that will maximise the potential of the car division and exploit additional opportunities.

“In recognition of the fact that this will require a different approach, Paul Dixon, Simon Dixon, Sal Ciullo and Noel Parkinson will be leaving the company in due course.”

RBS became one of the most influential players in the UK retail motor industry when it bought Dixon Motors for £110m one year ago.

The bank also dominates the direct motor insurance market through Direct Line, which is closely allied to Dixon through the Jamjar internet sales operation.

Both Paul and Simon Dixon declined AM's request for an interview.