Citroen UK managing director Gary Savage has resigned.

He will leave the company after a year in the post on June 9 to become managing director, Mercedes-Benz Cars, taking over from Dermot Kelly, who will retire at the end of June 2010.

Savage's temporary replacement is European northern group operations director Christophe Musy.

The Frenchman's first priority will be to appoint a successor and continue the search for a new sales director.

Simon Monahan left Citroen UK in February leaving Savage to run the sales division.

Savage has also held a number of senior positions in Seat and Audi, part of the Volkswagen Group, including head of operations for Audi UK.

Wilfried Steffen, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz UK, said: “Gary has consistently delivered significant business results in all his previous roles and firmly established his professional reputation within our sector.

"His role will be to lead the delivery of our passenger car strategy, working with his team to maximise sales volumes in the UK and champion the highest quality customer service, retailer professionalism and brand values.”

"Dermot has played a major part in driving forward the Mercedes-Benz passenger car strategy, making Mercedes-Benz and smart the successful brands they are today. I would like to wish Dermot well and at the same time welcome Gary to the company."