Seat picks UK head of marketing

Car company Seat has promoted regional brand manager Mark McKenna to head its marketing.

McKenna takes over from head of marketing Gary Savage, who has moved to head of sales and operation at the Volkswagen-owned subsidiary.

The move also follows Kevin James’ appointment as director of Seat. James, who was joint managing director of Volkswagen’s financial services division, replaced John Abbott who left to join The Wayside Group, an independent dealer.

McKenna, who now takes charge of the car company’s £6m advertising spend, was previously responsible for parts and servicing for Seat.

Although last year was its best year to date, Seat has so far failed to make a great impact in the UK. According to the Society of Motor Manufactures & Traders, Seat sold just 19,972 cars in the UK last year, less than one per cent of the market.

The company, based in Spain, relaunched at the start of last year. It is headed by former BMW boss Bernd Pischetrieder. An insider says: “The brand has got fantastic capabilities. I hope McKenna taps its potential.”

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