Rover hands global role to marketing chief

Rover Cars marketing director Rod Ramsay has been shifted to a group-wide role to expand the worldwide Rover dealer network.

But his departure and replacement by a BMW insider is seen by observers as another example of the German manufacturer strengthening its grip on Rover.

Ramsay takes the new role of dealer development and projects director within the Rover Group sales and marketing division. He is responsible for developing the dealer networks in the UK and Europe and will also oversee the introduction of the MG marque into Australia.

The move follows confirmation that BMW’s marketing director, Martin Runnacles, is following his former BMW boss Tom Purves to Rover.

Purves, once BMW UK’s managing director, became Rover Group sales and marketing director in June.

Runnacles takes over as Rover marketing director in October. His replacement has not yet been decided.