Hyundai has announced the appointment of Martin Wilson to the newly created role of fleet director. Wilson began his new position as of 1 January 2013 and will be responsible for all Hyundai’s fleet operations including contract hire, remarketing, government contracts and fleet sales.

Wilson’s early career began at Lombard’s Motor Finance division between 1994 and 1998, he later moved to Jaguar in 1998 as zone manager for Jaguar Financial Services before gaining promotion to Jaguar Land Rover corporate development manager then corporate sales manager for the manufacturer.

Following this, Wilson moved to Hyundai in 2007 as regional corporate sales manager followed by roles as regional franchising manager, regional sales manager, European fleet sales manager at Hyundai Motor Europe and latterly national fleet sales manager.

Martin will report to Guy Pigounakis, senior executive sales director.

Wilson said: “This is an exciting time for Hyundai as the company looks to build upon excellent sales growth in 2012. We have seen a 40% uplift in fleet sales last year compared to 2011 making Hyundai the fastest-growing fleet manufacturer in the fleet sector in 2012.

“The fleet market is key to maintaining strong sales volumes along with increased market share for the brand and I’m looking forward to the challenges of expanding Hyundai’s presence in this area of the business. We will be growing our already experienced and professional team by recruiting new specialist personnel to ensure we establish more relationships with fleet customers while enhancing our overall fleet structures in the process.”

Tony Whitehorn, president and ceo, Hyundai Motor UK, said: “By introducing this new role it demonstrates to our current and potential fleet customers that we are growing as a major player in the UK fleet market. Martin has tremendous experience of the fleet and corporate sector along with an acute understanding of the Hyundai brand too and we wish him every success as the brand’s new fleet director.”