Nicola Burnside to head up Alpine UK

Renault UK has appointed Nicola Burnside to head up Alpine UK and lead the brand’s electric vehicle growth plans.

Burnside replaces Seb Brechon, “who takes up a new position within Renault Group UK”.

Alpine is planning to launch seven new EVs by 2030, with the A290 EV hothatch due to go on sale in 2024.

Burnside has over 14 years experience in the automotive industry in brands including Volkswagen, Mercedes, Seat and start-up hypercar Kincsem.

She played a pivotal role defining brand strategy, leading ecommerce sales channel developments and most recently led the customer experience programme for Merecedes-Benz Vans. 

Burnside is a motorsport enthusiast and accomplished classic car racer, competing in various events across the UK such as the Goodwood Members’ Meeting and Silverstone Classic.

Burnside said: “I am incredibly excited to be joining the Alpine band of racers at such a pivotal time in the company’s history.

“The A110 has always been a car that I have personally wanted to own, and seeing the new A290_β perform at Goodwood even further cemented my passion for the brand.

“Born from racing, Alpine is rising to the challenge of electric and the ‘dream garage’ of new cars in the pipeline certainly makes this a very exciting company to be a part of.”

Antonino Labate, VP, sales, marketing & customer experience Alpine, added: “We are developing an ambitious growth strategy, which is a critical part of Luca de Meo’s ‘Renaulution’ strategy.

“The UK is a key part of our plan and I’m delighted to welcome Nicola onboard to lead Alpine’s journey in the UK.”