Citroen UK has appointed Linda Jackson as its new managing director following the surprise departure of Gary Savage who left this month to head Mercedes-Benz’s UK operation.

Jackson has 33 years’ experience in the motor industry, most recently as finance director at Citroen France. Before that she spent four years as Citroen UK financial controller, a role that proved to be a key factor in her latest appointment. She takes up the position on July 1.

Marc Raven, Citroen UK communications director, told Fleet News: “Linda brings European experience to the job, she speaks fluent French and she knows Citroen UK, its dealers and its business.”

Jackson becomes only Citroen’s second British MD, following Savage. Historically, the company has appointed Frenchmen to the post as part of their career development – it’s become a proving ground for the ambitious.

However, despite having their fingers burnt with Savage, who left the post after just a year to replace Dermot Kelly at Mercedes, Citroen UK believes it is the right decision to stick with a home grown boss.

“It was felt to be a good thing to have a British person that knows the British market to run the UK operation,” said Raven.

“Linda’s international and head office experience was also a plus point – we’ve gone for the most appropriate and professional candidate for the job.”

Commenting on her new position, Jackson said: “I am delighted to be returning back to Slough as managing director of Citroën UK, at such a key time. Citroën is undergoing something of a renaissance with its new brand image and the launch of a whole range of new vehicles. The potential for the brand and the dealer network is enormous and I am looking forward to maximising all the opportunities this will bring.”

One of Jackson’s first actions will be to appoint a new sales director following the departure of Simon Monahan in February. Savage had been overseeing both roles.