BMW UK sales director Tim Abbott will be promoted to become the company’s new managing director on February 1.

Abbott, ex-divisional managing director for Sytner Group, takes over from Klaus Kibsgaard who is moving to a new senior management post within the BMW Group sales and marketing division which will be announced soon.

Abbott became BMW sales director in August 2006, he said: “I am clearly delighted with my new appointment.

“While the current business environment is tough, our exceptional brands and range of outstanding cars and motorcycles put us in a strong position. My role is to give clear leadership and direction to the company and the dealer network as we meet the challenges which lie ahead.”

Abbott first joined BMW in 1986 and held several positions in the regional and then national sales teams. In 1996 his career took him into the retail sector with Audi, establishing a successful group of five dealerships in the south-east of England which he sold in 2004 to United Auto Group (UAG). Following two years as a divisional managing director for Sytner Group, he rejoined BMW (UK) as sales director.

Ian Robertson, member of the board of management of BMW responsible for sales and marketing, said: “Tim’s breadth of experience across this industry has proved to be a great asset in his current position and will be even more valuable as he takes over the leadership of BMW (UK).

"He is a skilled business leader and his retail experience gives him exceptional insight into dealer network management. I congratulate him on his appointment.”