Chrysler Group UK has appointed Jon Wakefield as it new director of sales.

Wakefield started his new role earlier this month after moving from his last job as national sales director for DaimlerChrysler Retail.

Peter Lambert, managing director for Chrysler Group UK, said: "It is an incredibly important time for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge as we expand our product portfolio and moves into new sales channels in the UK.

"Wakefield's comprehensive knowledge and experience gained in the retail environment will help continue to increase dealer sales in a profitable and sustainable way."

Before joining DaimlerChrysler Retail Wakefield worked for Bentley, where he was worldwide head of franchise development. He has also worked for Porsche, Volvo and Lex Service in retail, regional sales, business development and financial management positions.

Chrysler UK’s parent company, DaimlerChrysler, announced this week its intentions to sell off a majority stake in its US Chrysler division to Cerberus Capital Management.

Cerberus will buy 80.1% of Chrysler for £3.7 billion.

DaimlerChrysler will retain a 19.9% stake in its US arm and will meet with shareholders in autumn to decide whether to shed its double barrel name to just Daimler.

The supervisory board of DaimlerChrysler approved the plans for the realignment of its Chrysler division today.

Cerberus Capital Management is expected to take control of the US manufacturer in the third quarter of this year.