Lexus names UK marketing chief

Lexus has appointed former Toyota marketer Karl Schlicht to head its UK operations. As director of Lexus GB, Schlicht will report to Toyota GB managing director Graham Smith.

Schlicht’s appointment follows the promotion of Stuart McCullough to run Lexus’ operations in Europe.

Schlicht is currently group vice-president for business innovation at Toyota Canada. He will take up his post at the Lexus UK headquarters in January. He has worked for Toyota since 1986, including two stints in the sales and marketing team at the Canadian division of Lexus.

In his present role, Schlicht is responsible for corporate and dealer change, planning and training. Before joining Toyota, he worked at General Motors, American Motors and Mazda Canada.

McCullough will retain responsibility for Lexus’ UK operations in the interim.

Saatchi & Saatchi handle Lexus’ UK advertising business and Zenith Media manages media buying and planning. Partners Andrews Aldridge handles the &£1m direct marketing account.

Lexus’ latest TV campaign aired in May. It depicted the car as a tranquil haven away from the noise and bustle of the outside world, and used the strapline: “It’s the feeling inside”.