Graham Smith, managing director of Toyota (GB) plc for the past decade, is to take up a dual role within Toyota.

He has been named as both senior vice-president, Toyota Motor Europe, responsible for external affairs and environmental affairs and will also take on the new role of managing director, Toyota Motor Europe London office, co-ordinating efforts in governmental and external affairs specifically for the UK market. Both these roles become effective from July 1.

Smith will be replaced in the role of managing director, Toyota (GB) by Miguel Fonseca, currently vice president and chief operating officer of Toyota Spain.

Fonseca, who is Portuguese and originally trained in mechanical engineering, has been with Toyota since 2001 having previously held senior positions with Ford and Fiat in Europe. This included time spent with Ford in the UK which gave him insight into the UK market.

He will join Toyota (GB) on September 1. Ahead of Fonseca's appointment Smith will continue with his responsibilities as managing director.