FIAT auto UK will have a new managing director from September 1, following the return of current managing director Jim Blades to Fiat's headquarters in Turin to fulfil a senior marketing role. He will report directly to Fiat's main board director responsible for the manufacturer's worldwide sales and marketing.

Blades' replacement will be Geoff Smyth, currently managing director of Fiat Auto Hellas (Greece). He has already worked for Fiat in the UK as operations director, and subsequently commercial director, between 1992 and 1995. Blades' promotion is seen as an important endorsement of Fiat UK's operation.