Mazda is changing the structure of its fleet sales department with the promotion of Steve Tomlinson (pictured) to the new role of head of fleet – reporting to Peter Allibon, sales director, Mazda UK.

Former fleet director, Steve Jelliss, is moving to a new role providing support for Mazda Ireland. Jelliss took up the fleet director role in April 2011.

Jeremy Thomson, Mazda UK managing director, said: “The changes to our fleet sales operation are designed to offer a more targeted, more efficient service to our existing customers, while preparing to grow fleet sales in the coming years.

“Historically we have done extremely well with Mazda6, but the natural product cycle of our key fleet model lines and our reduction in high-cost areas, such as Motability and Daily Rental, have seen our fleet volumes reduce over the last two years.

“Now, we are gearing up to introduce the new CX-5 this spring and further sixth generation Mazda models featuring SKYACTIV technology in 2013, we anticipate a significant growth in our share of UK fleet sales.”

Tomlinson will focus on nurturing existing fleet customer relationships, while raising awareness of SKYACTIV technology and the 18-strong line-up of models in the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV range which goes on sale from this spring.

Most recently Mazda UK senior national corporate sales & contract hire manager, Tomlinson joined Mazda UK in 2003 as a business manager, subsequently being promoted to regional business manager in 2004 and to national contract hire & rental manager in 2007.

Jelliss’ new role will seek to drive greater operating efficiencies across Ireland and the UK.