TOYOTA Motor Marketing Europe (TMME) has appointed Lexus's its UK head of Stuart McCullough as director of the premium brand's European operations.

His new role will see McCullough responsible for the strategy and development of Lexus's business across Europe.

McCullough will report to Thierry Dombreval, senior vice-president for all sales and marketing for Toyota and Lexus in Europe.

The company said: 'During his time at Lexus GB, McCullough brought the franchise from the margins to the mainstream with the introduction of several new models. Since 1997 Lexus GB has increased sales five fold, built 35 dedicated Lexus Centres out of a plan of 48, has been placed in the JD Power survey twice and ranks in the NFDA dealer satisfaction survey.'

In 2001, Lexus sold 23,837 cars in Europe, an increase of 31% compared to the previous year. The UK is by far the biggest market for Lexus and there the manufacturer sold 11,373 units, up 28% from the year 2000.

McCullough began his automotive career in 1986 on the Volkswagen graduate trainee programme, becoming corporate sales executive in 1987, then national sales and leasing manager a year later.

In 1993, he moved to Audi, where he was product marketing manager before becoming head of retail operations for Audi UK in 1996. McCullough joined Toyota (GB) as general manager, Lexus operations, in 1998, and in early 1999 was appointed as Lexus director.

Lexus GB expects to announce a successor to McCullough over the coming weeks.