Fiat Group Automobiles has announced the appointment of Gerry Clarke to the role of country manager, Fiat Group Automobiles Ireland, with immediate effect.

Between 2007 and 2011, Clarke had headed Fiat Professional in the UK, Fiat's light commercial vehicle arm.

Prior to that he had worked with Fiat in the UK from 1986 to 2002, progressing from northern region zone manager to dealer development director, before heading to Fiat's Turin head office. 

Clarke takes up the reins from Yann Chabert, who has been assigned responsibility for Fiat brand within France.

Steve Zanlunghi, managing director Fiat Group Automobiles UK and board member of FGA Ireland, said: “We are excited to have someone of Gerry’s calibre leading the charge in Ireland.

"Following on from the solid foundation laid by Yann Chabert, we are confident that Gerry will bring his international experience to bear on the challenging Irish market as we look to further grow our brands and achieve our financial targets now and into the foreseeable future.”