AUDI'S head of corporate sales, Ian Holmes, has decided to leave after 15 years with the Volkswagen Group. Holmes will initially take a three-month break before pursuing other interests which could include consultancy work in various sectors of the industry.

He said: 'I am the last remaining member of Len Hunt's original management team formed seven years ago and have held many posts during that time. 'I've been thinking of doing something on my own for some time and after discussing it with Kevin Rose (Audi UK managing director) a year ago I decided to stay on for another year.

'I am delighted with my job, and after a tough year, things are looking positive for next year. But I decided I need to refresh and do something different.'