Ian Plummer, Renault UK's commercial operations director, is to leave the company at the end of December.

A successor is expected to be announced early in the New Year, appointed from within Renault's global business, but in the interim Plummer's role will be taken on by Bob O'Reilly, head of franchising and network development.

Renault would not reveal the reasons behind Plummer's exit, but earlier this week AM reported how Renault UK will significally reduce its dealer network and model ranges in 2012 in order to develop a more stable and profitable business for itself and its remaining dealers.

Thierry Sybord, managing director of Renault UK, said: "Ian's inspiration and leadership will be missed and I wish him the very best for his future."

Plummer has been in his current role since July 2010, prior to which he had headed the manufacturer-owned dealer Renault Retail Group from 2006.