Renault UK has appointed Darren Payne as its new sales director.

Payne was formerly director for fleet and commercial vehicle operations at Renault UK, but will now head up a sales department which combines the previously separate commercial operations (sales network and franchising operations) and fleet and commercial vehicle operations departments.

Renault said the new role ensures a "consistent strategy" across the French brand’s different sales channels.

Payne joined Renault UK’s board of directors in October 2009 and has worked at reasserting the brand’s position in both the fleet and LCV sectors.

The management change follows a restructure of the Renault business in the UK which will see it trim its model range and reduce its dealer network by a third to create a more profitable business.