Inchape has announced a senior management reshuffle which the dealer group claims will drive growth in the post block exemption business environment.

Richard Mackay, managing director of Inchcape's Ferrari/Maserati business in the UK, is retiring in September 2003 and will be replaced by Robert Hazelwood. Until his retirement, Richard will stay on as non-executive Chairman of Maranello supporting Robert in the development of his new role.

As a result of Robert's move, a number of UK Retail directors will now report directly to Inchcape UK managing director Graeme Potts. And in a newly created role, Paul Wallwork, formerly IUK finance director, will become commercial cirector. This position has a UK wide remit designed to oversee the performance improvement and acquisitions strategy.

Graeme Potts says: “Robert's appointment to this position will see him build on the successes Richard achieved in his time at Ferrari/Maserati. Paul has a strong history of achieving within the Group and we look forward to seeing his progress in this exciting new role.

“The restructure of our UK management team is now complete and a solid platform for growth has been created. From this position we can now take full advantage of the opportunities, which will arise from the changes in Block Exemption and significantly drive the performance of our UK businesses in 2003 and beyond.”