Vertu Motors has announced that Tim Tozer, former Chairman of Vauxhall Motors in the UK, has joined the auto retailer. Tozer will take on the role of Group Operations Director with a place on the company’s main operational board. The move comes as part of the auto retailer’s plans to strengthen its management structure with the creation of a new business division.

The new division will incorporate the company’s Hyundai, Fiat Group, Mazda and Peugeot outlets with the potential for further franchises be added in due course. The business comprises 25 sales outlets with a broad geography from Scotland to Devon and revenues of around £220m.

This development will also see a number of promotions from within the company. Rob Keenan becomes Sales Director and Ian Anderson will be Aftersales Director. Martin Welch will become Finance Director.

Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu Motors plc, said: “As the Group expands it is one of my primary responsibilities to ensure that we have the right management structure and quality of management. We have to ensure that we have the capacity to continue to grow as a business.

“The appointment of Tim Tozer to lead this new division is a real statement of intent. Tim has a wealth of experience in the sector and has the leadership skills to add considerable value to the business as it continues to develop.

“I am convinced that this new structure, under Tim’s guidance, will provide the right level of management and focus to take the dealerships forward in financial performance and customer experience.”