Paul Williams, currently head of the National Franchised Dealer Association and chairman of Vertu, will become the new chairman of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) on October 1.

Williams succeeds Alec Murray, who is stepping down after 18 months in the role.

Williams, who is also chairman of Vertu Motors said: “Murray performed an excellent job guiding the RMIF through the many changes it has undergone over the last 18 months, including the purchase of ReMIT and the overall restructuring of the federation.

"I will provide guidance to take the RMIF into its next stage of development.”