Former Vauxhall fleet sales director Bill Parfitt has been appointed executive director, sales, marketing and customer care after current incumbent Ian Coomber announced his intention to retire in September.

Currently sales director, Mr Parfitt joined Vauxhall from Henley's Motor Group as fleet sales director in 1998, replacing long-serving fleet chief Mike Bonner, who moved up to an international corporate sales role.

Mr Coomber, who has been with the company for 38 years, is widely associated with Vauxhall's strategic decision to inject more driver appeal into its UK range with the introduction of aspirational models like the VX220 and some of parent company GM's American range.

Vauxhall chairman and managing director Nick Reilly said: "We are enormously grateful for the contribution Ian has made over the years and we are fortunate to have such a capable successor in Bill Parfitt."