Volvo Car UK has appointed Mercedes-Benz UK national operations manager Robert Morris as its new head of fleet and remarketing.

Morris, who also previously worked for Skoda UK, moved to the Swedish premium carmaker following Steve Beattie’s move to head of sales in October.

Beattie’s move came as part of a series of leadership changes for the Geely-owned Swedish premium carmaker’s UK operations back in October, with Mark Cox appointed as its network and business development director as Suzanne Woolley and Johan Olsson joined the brand as digital director and chief financial officer.

A statement issued by the OEM said that the Morris would report into commercial operations director, Matt Galvin, and assume responsibility for all Volvo’s UK business sales, including to leasing companies, and the supply of specialist vehicles to the emergency services and other organisations.

He will also oversee vehicle remarketing activities and residual value management.

“This is an exciting time for Volvo, with the roll-out of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles that are increasingly key choices for business customers,” said Morris. “This gives us a great opportunity to challenge the status quo in the premium market.

“Steve Beattie and the team have created an excellent foundation on which to achieve more success in true fleet and business sales.”

True fleet accounted for 27% of Volvo Car UK’s sales in 2020, according to data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) last week; although volume declined by 26%, compared to an overall market decline of 28%.

Overall Volvo Car UK’s new car registrations declined by 17.4% in 2020, to 56,208 (2019: 46,408), outperforming a market down by 29.4% overall.

Volvo believes its growing range of plug-in hybrid and electric cars is providing valuable new opportunities for fleet and business sales.

Galvin said: “Our ongoing electrification programme and the fundamental strengths of our renewed product range give us impressive firepower to build on the achievements we have already made.

“Robert brings valuable experience and understanding of the market to help us maximise our potential and our performance as an attractive and effective player in the premium business car market.”