HR Owen, the luxury car dealer group, has recruited former Nokia executive Chris Harris to be its first ever marketing and customer director.

The newly created role is a direct result of HR Owen's plan for growth, revealed by AM in May, which has it focused on an 'experience is everything' strategy.

Harris is currently global brand and marketing strategy director at mobile phone company Nokia.

During his seven years at Nokia, he served as global marketing director of its luxury mobile phone division, Vertu.

A marketer since 1993, he has also worked a Thomas Cook, Proctor & Gamble and 3 UK.

HR Owen said his main focus will be to lead customer relations and customer communications, building and developing the value of the HR Owen brand in the eyes of customers.

Chief executive Andy Duncan said:"Chris's appointment as our first ever Marketing and Customer Director is yet another step in implementing HR Owen's strategy for growth as announced in May, which included the recent acquisition of Broughtons and the opening of the Ferrari Atelier at the Berkeley. Ultimately Chris will develop models for managing our customers to maximise their lifetime value across our different brands and businesses.

"He has significant senior level experience of marketing at both a strategic and operational level. He will bring high level leadership and help us to drive our industry leading ambitions. In particular, his experience of digital technology and customer relations in a luxury market will bring a major contribution to HR Owen's growth ambitions."