Bentley Motors has announced the appointment of Kevin Rose as its new member of the board for sales and marketing.

Rose joins Bentley from Volkswagen Automotive in China where he held the role of executive vice president for sales at FAW-Volkswagen Joint Venture. He succeeds Alasdair Stewart who takes up a new role as Skoda UK’s brand director.

Rose will commence his new role on 1 May 2012.

Welcoming the announcement Wolfgang Duerheimer, Bentley’s CEO said:

“I am delighted to welcome Kevin to the Bentley team. He brings to Bentley a wealth of international sales experience which is underpinned by solid roots in the British automotive industry.

Bentley has ambitious plans to increase our sales volumes, expand our global network and launch a new SUV. We look to Kevin to build on our sales success in 2011 and help us achieve and exceed these objectives going forward.

I would also like to thank Alasdair Stewart for the significant contribution he has made to Bentley. Our 2011 sales growth of 37% was a huge achievement and a reflection of his expertise and commitment to the company. We wish him all the best in his new role at Skoda”.

Rose said: “The move to Bentley and the luxury automotive sector is an exciting new challenge. Bentley is the ultimate brand for luxury and performance and I see huge potential for global growth. I look forward to working with the Bentley team and dealer network to identify new customers and markets and build on the strength of the brand today.”