Andy Coulthurst is to step down as managing director of Motors.co.uk to be replaced by its commercial director Phill Jones.

Coulthurst will leave Motors.co.uk on September 18 to become chief executive of car supermarket group Trade Centre Wales.

John Bailey, executive vice president, international of Cox Automotive, Motors.co.uk’s owner, said: “I would like to thank Andy for his skill, vision and energy transforming Motors.co.uk over the last three years.

“Having run the business from an operational perspective as commercial director since 2010, Phill is the natural successor to Andy at this important stage of growth.

“I am certain that under his direction, the business will continue to thrive and build on the momentum that has been generated, maintaining its total focus on helping our dealers sell more cars.”

Jones (pictured) said: “I’m hugely excited by the prospect of leading Motors.co.uk.

“Our growth to date has been driven by product innovation, network partnerships and above the line marketing and has seen us deliver record levels of audience reach and response for our dealers.

“With new partnership opportunities, an extremely strong product roadmap and sustained support from our forward-thinking parents at Cox Automotive, we are perfectly positioned to grow our market share for the benefit of our dealers.”