Marshall Leasing has promoted Richard Baird to the position of new business development director.

Jonathan Ross, sales and marketing director, said: “I can’t think of a more positive expression of our group’s ambitions than the recognition of existing talent.

"Richard has been with us for approaching 10 years during which time he has made a significant contribution to our success."

Peter Cakebread, managing director of Marshall Motor Holdings, said: "We believe strongly in internal staff development and promotion.

"At Marshall Leasing I have been able to build my board from within.

"This sits extremely well with our extraordinary staff retention and Great Place to Work staff survey results.

"I am delighted to have been able to make this appointment at the start of what we believe will be another great year for our sales operation.”

Baird has worked in the motor industry for more than 28 years and has worked in fleet sales for both a private dealer group and a major vehicle manufacturer.

He started as a fleet representative for Lex Rover and has experience as a general manager within a dealer group, before moving into leasing 12 years ago.

At Marshall, Baird has been primarily responsible for the development of sales opportunities during a period of growth in the Marshall Leasing fleet.

Richard has also been involved with fleet operators' association ACFO for more than 25 years, and is a director as well as chairman for the London East region.

More recently, he has become a member of the Institute of Car Fleet Management.