Peugeot ad chief moves to sales

Peugeot director of advertising and sales promotion Kel Walker is to take up a sales position. He will be replaced by a member of the Peugeot family.

Walker, who has held his post for six years, is to become operational regional director. Based in the car company’s central region, he will be responsible for 100 dealerships.

Meanwhile, the marketing department is to be restructured, with Xavier Peugeot taking the role of director of advertising. He will arrive from France, where he has worked in the marketing department and on the agency side.

Manager of consumer programmes John Farrow has been promoted to head of sales promotion for the company.

Farrow and Peugeot will report to marketing director Rod Philpot, who is unaffected by the changes.

During his time in the marketing department, Walker oversaw high-profile campaigns such as the “Search for a hero” 406 launch ad and “Thelma and Louise” 106 campaign.

Peugeot’s &£48m ad account is handled by Euro RSCG Wnek Gosper. Media buying and planning, which is undergoing a statutory review, is with Initiative Media.

Walker takes up his post on May 1. He says: “Car companies go through these changes and it is all for the good.”