BSM appoints ex-Hyundai head as managing director

Former Hyundai Car UK (HCUK) managing director David Walker has been appointed as managing director of the world’s largest driving school, BSM.

Walker left HCUK after 21 years, following the importer’s takeover by Hyundai Motor Europe, the Korean car maker’s European division (MW June 16).

He was one of three senior members of staff who did not transfer to the new business. The other two were sales director John Lawrence and human resources and operations director Claire Balmforth.

The takeover followed the &£1.1bn acquisition of HCUK’s parent company, the RAC, by Aviva, which triggered the reversion of HCUK to Korean control. BSM is also owned by the RAC.

The RAC moved its &£11m advertising account into Abbott Mead Vickers.BBDO without a pitch last month (MW June 9). Aviva, the UK’s largest insurance provider, already used AMV for its Norwich Union account.

Aviva is expected to put its combined media planning and buying account, worth more than &£60m, up for review (MW March 17).

RAC’s media planning and buying accounts are held by Vizeum and All Response Media, while Norwich Union’s &£47m media account is held by Brand Connection.

BSM commercial and business development director Andy Mitchell, who is the brand’s top marketer, will report directly to Walker.

Hyundai marketing director Jim Campbell is staying with the car maker. A replacement for Walker has yet to be confirmed.

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