Greg Levine, recent head of operations at Audi UK, has joined McLaren Automotive.

Levine has taken the post of sales and marketing director at the supercar company, ahead of its launch this year of its first road-going sports car, the MP4-12C.

His experience with Audi, which included five years as head of Audi South Africa, will bring to McLaren Automotive valuable exposure to commercially impactful marketing, retailer and customer programmes, said the company.

Antony Sheriff, managing director, said: “I first met Greg during our time working together in Italy and knew then that he had a bright future in the car industry. He has rapidly moved up through the ranks in the business and enjoyed great success in South Africa and the UK.

"His knowledge of the retail business and brand-building is excellent, and the fact that he has chosen to step into this crucial role at McLaren Automotive is testimony both to his drive and ambition, and McLaren’s ability to persuade strong industry players to join our team."