Stellantis UK merges network development and customer experience functions

Leadership structure changes at Stellantis UK have merged the departments of network development and customer experience together.

Stellantis UK group managing director Maria Grazia Davino has appointed Stephanie Howson as customer experience and network development director. overseeing dealer development across its Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep, Peugeot and Vauxhall brands.

The company said: "The changes places customers experience at the centre of the UK's network development strategy and ensures a consistent approach to partners in the retail network."

Howson, who was Vauxhall's retail sales director from 2018 to 2023 when she took responsibility for customer experience and training across Stellantis UK, joined Vauxhall in 1994 as an aftersales business analyst and rose through the ranks of sales district manager, regional operations manager, national sales manager, marketing programmes manager and national major group manager.

Natalie Kennett, who was previously head of commercial programmes for Vauxhall, has been appointed Vauxhall's sales and operations director.

Kennett, who first joined Vauxhall in 2009, will report in to Vauxhall managing director James Taylor.

Maria Grazia Davino said: “The changes to our leadership structure in the UK are designed to further support our retail network partners, and I wish Stephanie and Natalie every success in their new roles.”