Rebecca Stead has been named as the new head of automobile at Honda UK, replacing Phil Webb who is moving to a role in Honda Motor Europe (HME).

As part of her role, Stead will be responsible for fleet sales - following the departure of the brand’s head of fleet Marc Samuel last year.

Stead, credited for having a wealth of experience and an extensive knowledge of Honda’s UK operation, moves from her current position as head of network and commercial development in Honda UK.

The management shake-up comes as managing director Dave Hodgetts announces his retirement.

He said: “Having guided the business through a number of major challenges in recent years as well as starting Honda UK on its electrification journey, I have decided that 2020 provides an appropriate anniversary after 30 years to retire.”

Jean-Marc Streng will take over as managing director of Honda UK, having spent the last eight years as general manager of HME Automobile Division.

As the architect of Honda’s European electrification strategy, Honda UK says he is ideally placed to deliver that vision in what is Honda’s largest European sales operation.

Streng will also be responsible for motorcycles and the power products division, where Honda UK supplies a diverse line-up of products ranging from marine engines to lawn and garden equipment.

Having led the Honda UK car business for the last five years, Phil Webb will make the move across to the HME operation, taking responsibility for strategic and operational planning, marketing, sales operations and logistics in all Honda’s European markets as deputy general manager of HME Automobile.