Nissan has appointed Mark Wheeler as its new fleet sales director.

Wheeler, who joined the brand as national corporate sales manager in October, replaces Michael Auliar who is moving to a new role as regional director with Nissan Europe.

In his new role, Wheeler will directly oversee Nissan’s corporate sales, public sector, contract hire and leasing and dealer fleet teams and will have responsibility for both passenger car and LCV sales.

His appointment comes as Nissan’s corporate sales team looks to build on a record 2014, a year in which it registered 63,358 passenger cars to fleet customers – an increase of 13.6% on 2013.

Prior to joining Nissan, Wheeler amassed a wealth of industry experience. Most recently he spent 10 years at Motability Operations, latterly as head of manufacturer and dealer relations.

Commenting on the appointment, Barry Beeston, corporate sales director at Nissan Motor (GB), said: “Michael richly deserves his promotion after the outstanding contribution he has made to our success.

“I’m now delighted to be welcoming Mark to his new role and I am sure he will bring a fresh perspective, dynamism and enthusiasm that will help to drive us to greater success in 2015.”

Wheeler added: “I’m excited to be taking on this new role at a time of unprecedented growth for Nissan in the fleet sector.

“There are challenges ahead if we are to sustain the growth of recent years and consolidate our position but we have some very exciting plans for the future and I look forward to playing a part in delivering them.”