DS Automobiles UK appoints Keely Davidson as marketing director

DS Automobiles UK has appointed Robins and Day’s head of marketing and connected customer, Keely Davidson, as its new marketing director.

Former Peugeot UK head of brand marketing Davidson enters the new role with over 20 years of experience with the PSA Group (now Stellantis) and replaces Mark Blundell.

Blundell has moved to become UK managing director of Stellantis leasing company Free2Move.

Davidson said: “I’m thrilled to be joining DS at this exciting junction of the brand’s development.

“As a brand, we’ve achieved so much already, reflected in us overtaking Lexus in market share across Europe.

“2021 holds much to look forward to with the launch of both DS 9 and DS 4 as we continue to take the brand, our products and services to a new audience.”

Alison Jones, group managing director UK and senior vice-president of Stellantis, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Keely into her new position as UK marketing director at DS Automobiles.

“Keely has been an integral part of the Stellantis group for many years, and we have full confidence that she will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role which will be vital for developing DS in the UK.

“I would like to thank Mark for all of his hard work over the past six years and wish him all the best for his next endeavours.”

Starting her career within the PSA Group (now Stellantis) as a district aftersales manager, Davidson went on to become head of dealer marketing, before taking a more hands-on role as platform head of some of Peugeot’s most popular models including the 3008 and 5008 SUVs.

In her role as connected customer project for Robins and Day, she worked to ensure that all customers were able to communicate effectively with staff to receive the right responses for any queries they had when enquiring about a new car, allowing the retail group to achieve an efficient and streamlined sales process.

Davidson joins DS Automobiles following the opening of two of its largest showrooms in the UK.

Both the DS Store Leicester, and its flagship, DS Store West London have been opened in the past 12 months.

The brand has also launched its Virtual Showroom platform, which includes a 360° virtual tour with a trained DS Advisor.

The expansion comes as the brand prepares for the arrival of its new DS 4 and DS 9.