Inchcape plc has announced the appointment of Stefan Bomhard as its new chief executive.

Currently president of Bacardi Limited's European region, Bomhard will begin his new role with the group on April 1.

Bomhard has a PhD in Marketing and has accrued a wealth of experience in the retail and consumer sectors during his career. His previous roles include chief commercial officer of Cadbury plc and chief operating Officer of Foodsolutions, Europe, a division of Unilever plc.
 
Throughout his career, Stefan has lived and worked in a number of markets across Europe and internationally. In taking up his role at Inchcape, he will be relocating to the UK. 
 
Group chairman Ken Hanna said: "We are delighted to welcome Stefan to Inchcape. He is a very experienced international executive with proven success in a number of well-known companies. I feel confident that his style and approach will fit extremely well with Inchcape's values. I would also like to reiterate my thanks to André Lacroix for his exceptional contribution to Inchcape since his appointment in 2005 and to wish him well."

Andre Lacroix, chief executive of London-based motor retail group Inchcape, resigned in September.