SSANGYONG’S senior management team has been significantly strengthened with the appointment of former Bank of Scotland executive David Foster as dealer development manager.
Foster, 45, joins importer and distributor Koelliker UK (KUK) at a crucial time in its relaunch of the brand and franchise, reporting to finance and operations director, Ian Nicholson.
Starting from scratch with SsangYong in January, the company has been putting the building blocks in place for a viable franchise and dealer network, with a target of 60-70 fully active, successful and profitable dealers this year.
The company was featured in Issue 2 of Car Dealer where it told how it was looking for new dealers across the country.
David Foster is well-known in the motor trade and industry, having held the position of senior director for the last 10 years with Bank of Scotland Dealer Finance (formerly Capital Bank Motor Finance) since joining in 1994.
Throughout his time with the bank, Foster worked with, and had responsibility for, joint ventures and manufacturer and importer relationships, working at board level on a number of Bank of Scotland and manufacturer joint venture companies.
He said: ‘With possible future changes in Block Exemption, there will be opportunities for all of us. The SsangYong team is ready to take on the changes, and having worked closely with my new colleagues in their previous roles, I know that they have worked successfully with start-up businesses before. I’m delighted to be part of the team.
‘KUK has made enormous strides in just a few months and SsangYong has a great chance to provide dealers with valuable income streams at a very low cost of entry to the franchise. I’m looking forward to adding real value to the existing network and helping to build the brand across the UK in the recruitment of new dealers.’
Ian Nicholson added: ‘We are absolutely delighted to be joined by a man of David’s experience and stature. The dealer development role is crucial to the success of SsangYong in the UK and David’s contribution will be of immense value to KUK and our dealers.’
