Audi UK has appointed the former head of sales at Seat, Steve Catlin, as its new head of sales. He will succeed Peter Brookes when he leaves the Volkswagen Group at the end of June to pursue new challenges.

Catlin (pictured) has worked within the Volkswagen Group since 2015, joining from Vauxhall where he was retail sales Director. His new role will see him report to Audi UK director Andrew Doyle.

Since joining Seat, Catlin has presided over the most protracted period of sustained sales growth in the company’s history, breaking records year-on-year and helping Seat to earn the accolade of fastest growing brand in the UK for the past two years.

Commenting on the new appointment, Doyle said: “As Audi embraces electrification, digitalisation and new mobility concepts, the role of head of sales has never been more crucial to brand health.

“I am delighted that we have been able to secure a retail expert of Steve’s stature to continue Peter’s great work in preparing the brand and its network partners for this exciting transition, while also fully capitalising on the many opportunities presented by our existing model range.

“Peter’s strategic insight and operational know-how have proved invaluable during his time at Audi, and we of course wish him every success in his future endeavours.”

Audi closed 2018 with around 1.8 million global sales, 143,739 of which were accounted for by UK customers.