Tim Tozer, former Vauxhall Motors’ chairman, is to head up a new division at Vertu Motors.

Tozer will take on the position of group operations director from March 1 with a place on the AM100 dealer group’s main operational board.

The new division will incorporate the Vertu’s Hyundai, Fiat Group, Mazda and Peugeot outlets with the potential for further franchises that are new to the group to be added. 

The business comprises 25 sales outlets from Scotland to Devon and revenues of around £220 million. 

The new division will also see a number of promotions. 

Rob Keenan becomes sales director and Ian Anderson will be aftersales director. Martin Welch will become finance director.  

Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu Motors, said:  “As the group expands it is one of my primary responsibilities to ensure that we have the right management structure and quality of management.  We have to ensure that we have the capacity to continue to grow as a business.

“The appointment of Tim Tozer to lead this new division is a real statement of intent.  Tim has a wealth of experience in the sector and has the leadership skills to add considerable value to the business as it continues to develop.

“I am convinced that this new structure, under Tim’s guidance, will provide the right level of management and focus to take the dealerships forward in financial performance and customer experience.”

Tozer said:  “Retail has always interested me and I am looking forward to be working for such a highly regarded retailer.”

Tozer has previously held senior roles with Mazda and Mitsubishi and in retail with Inchcape and Autobink in Europe.