Inchcape has appointed Claire Chapman as general counsel and group company secretary and Tony George as group HR director.

The appointments come in the wake of the company’s bid to acquire European Motor Holdings. Chapman and George will be part of the Inchcape executive committee.

Chapman joins Inchcape from Reuters where she spent the past 11 years closely involved with post acquisition integration projects and international product launches. Chapman will start work on July 1, following the retirement of Roy Williams.

George joins Inchcape from Vodafone where he was group HR director for corporate functions.

Andre Lacroix, Inchcape group chief executive, said: “Chapman’s experience in international law both in a transactional and corporate capacity is second to none. She and her team will be an important cornerstone in the international growth programme of expanding our business with core brand partners in existing, developing and developed markets.”

“George has spent his career in consumer-facing and retail based organisations in many countries; his experience will be an invaluable asset in developing our talent base as we execute out global growth strategy.”