DUNCAN Movassaghi  has taken over as director of Skoda UK, replacing Alasdair Stewart who leaves to take up a senior assignment within Volkswagen Group UK.

Movassaghi, 41, moves over from being head of service and parts operations for Volkswagen Passenger Cars, a position he has held since April 2014.

It is a return to Skoda for Movassaghi – after joining the Volkswagen Group in 2010,  he was head of sales operations for Skoda UK, leading the brand’s sales through a period of record growth. Before that, he fulfilled a number of senior management roles within the pharmaceutical and banking sectors.

Commenting on his new appointment, Movassaghi said: “I’m excited to be returning to Skoda. The development of the brand over the past few years has been extremely impressive, and with the recent launches of the new Fabia and Superb, Skoda has a strong and enviable model line-up.

“I am looking forward to working with the UK team and all of our dealer partners to continue the momentum.”

Volkswagen Group UK managing director Paul Willis added: “Duncan brings a wealth of experience and business knowledge that will be invaluable in helping Skoda achieve its ambitious growth plans.

“I would like to thank Alasdair for leading Skoda over the past four years, overseeing a period of significant growth in the brand.”