Marque Group has appointed former Lookers managing director Allan Rushforth as its new managing director for Europe.

Rushforth, who also previously held the posts of chief operating officer at Hyundai Motor Europe and vice-president of Nissan Global Sales and Performance, joins the automotive technology group of companies to lead the strategic direction of its UK and European-based businesses.

A statement issued by the business today (March 4) said that Rushforth’s appointment will accelerate its unique blend of data-driven value services and high-quality operational execution, boosting its clients’ customer retention and revenue growth.

Marque’s various business entities include THREE60 CRM, Vital Software and Aura.

Rushforth said: “Marque Group is an innovative organisation making strong headway into the worldwide automotive technology space.

“We’re bringing together a team of real people that understand the future requirements of the sector.

“By re-enforcing our clients’ own excellence in retail with Marque’s technical agility we see an opportunity to develop intuitive business solutions that give our customers greater operational certainty and improve their bottom line.”

As managing director - Europe, Rushforth is tasked with leading-out Marque Group’s family of companies as it expands its strategic footprint and influence across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The business said that it has positioned itself to capitalise on its existing European presence from its office in Cologne, Germany, by aggregating its experience of UK automotive retail and global OEM relationships.

Marque Group chief executive, Gary Martin, said: “Allan’s track record of providing interconnected, strategic solutions is a huge advantage for Marque Group’s northern hemisphere blueprint.

“The wider team is equally excited to have Allan spearhead our sustained growth into both the UK and EMEA marketplaces.”