Citroen UK has promoted Edward Hickin from his post of head of commercial actions to become the PSA Group brand’s new head of business sales.

Hickin will take up his new post on December 1 and succeeds Kristian Cholmondeley, who moves to DS Automobiles UK as head of marketing communications.

Maximising the Citroen brand’s LCV and passenger car sales, primarily through the Citroën Business Centre Network, will lie at the heart of Hickin’s new role.

He said: “I am excited to be appointed head of business sales at this important time for the brand in the UK.

“The Citroen Business Centre Network will play a vital role in the sales success of products such as New C5 Aircross SUV, New C4 Cactus Hatch and New Berlingo Van with local fleet operators and small, medium enterprises (SMEs).

“With so many business-friendly products in the Citroen range now, 2019 is set to be a hugely successful year for Business Sales and a significant opportunity for the entire Citroen dealer network.

“I look forward to working with our dealer partners to maximise sales and profitability in this important sector of the market.”

Hickin joined Citroen UK in 2003 and spent his first eleven years working with the Citroen dealer network in a number of field-based roles.

Citroen said in a statement that, having sold Citroen cars and vans directly to UK businesses as an area fleet manager – and having been part of the team that developed and rolled out the original Citroën Business Centre Programme in the UK – Hickin brings “a wealth of B2B sales experience to his new role”.

Hickin was appointed as head of commercial actions at Citroen UK in October 2017.

Eurig Druce, Citroen UK sales director, said: “I am delighted to welcome Ed to lead our Business Sales offensive in 2019.

“Over the past two years, Citroen UK has successfully re-built a retail foundation to our sales results, taking full advantage of our complete range renewal and averaging retail sales growth of 27% for the past seven months.

“For 2019, our aim is to build on this strong foundation and our historic success within the B2B market with both our Business Centres and Business Active Partners. Ed will play a crucial role with all dealer partners to make this a success.”

Druce added: “I thank Kris for his commitment and efforts, and wish him all the best in his new position working for the DS brand here in the UK.”