The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) has appointed Rob Foulston as its new chief executive and will start in the role from February 1.

He will combine this role with his current position as chief executive of ReMIT, the RMIF’s training arm and is the organisation's first chief executive since Matthew Carrington left in 2006.

The appointment is part of a restructuring within the RMIF which also sees Sue Robinson becoming trade associations director.

As AM reported last week, Ray Holloway has departed the RMIF and Robinson will take on his roles as director of Independent Garages’ Association, director of Petrol Retailers’ Association and head of its bodyshop division, as well as staying as director of the National Franchised Dealers' Association.

Kevin Waterman will remain as finance director, and Paul Williams will continue as RMIF chairman.

Williams said: “Since Rob’s appointment at ReMIT, he has shown considerable flair and business acumen which I believe he and his team will successfully transpose to the RMIF. We all wish him every success.”