Skoda UK has appointed former head of sales operations Duncan Movassaghi as its new brand director.

Taking over from Alasdair Stewart, who leaves to take up a senior assignment within Volkswagen Group UK, Movassaghi had most recently held the post of head of service and parts operations for Volkswagen Passenger Cars, a position he has held since April 2014.

Movassaghi originally joined the Volkswagen Group in 2010 and led Skoda through a period of record growth as head of sales operations.

Before that, he had fulfilled a number of senior management roles within the pharmaceutical and banking sectors.

Commenting on his new appointment, Movassaghi said: “I’m excited to be returning to ŠKODA. The development of the brand over the past few years has been extremely impressive, and with the recent launches of the new Fabia and Superb, ŠKODA has a strong and enviable model line-up.

“I am looking forward to working with the UK team and all of our dealer partners to continue the momentum.”

Volkswagen Group UK managing director, Paul Willis, added: “Duncan brings a wealth of experience and business knowledge that will be invaluable in helping Skoda achieve its ambitious growth plans.

“I would like to thank Alasdair for leading Skoda over the past four years, overseeing a period of significant growth in the brand.”