Kerr takes over md role as Reid leaves Volvo UK
Volvo UK managing director Hugh Reid is leaving the company. It is not thought that he has a job to go to.
Stuart Kerr, Volvo Cars Overseas president with responsibility for the southern hemisphere, the Middle East and eastern Europe, will replace Reid on October 1.
Kerr, who joined Volvo in his native South Africa in 1995, will also become regional president for the UK, Ireland and Iceland from the beginning of next month.
He says: “With the UK market being one of the largest in the world, success there is vital for Volvo and I am looking forward to taking the company through an exciting period of growth over the coming busy and important years.”
Volvo promoted marketing communications manager Paul Walder to head of marketing communications earlier this year following the departure of sales and marketing director Simon Munn (MW March 23).
The company split its sales and marketing operations after Munn left, with network and customer services director Nick Connor becoming sales and network director. Walder replaced Munn as the marque’s top marketer in the UK and will report to Kerr.
In line with the majority of the UK car market, Volvo has struggled this year.
Its sales were down 20% at 19,093 to the end of August, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, giving it a 1.3% market share.
