Alphabet GB has appointed Clive Buhagiar as its new interim chief operating officer (COO), replacing Uwe Hildinger who has taken a new role at Alphabet Germany.

Buhagiar will be responsible for the whole operational function of Alphabet GB and will also continue in his current position as head of operational services.

He has been with Alphabet since 2011, initially joining as head of public sector following the acquisition of ING Car Lease. In 2014, he was appointed as head of commercial performance, where he led the team responsible for creating and driving Alphabet’s strategic customer and commercial initiatives.

Buhagiar became head of operational services in 2018, where he has focused on improving customer experience and cost control, working across the wider business, as well as with group partners and the supplier network.

He said: “Having held a number of positions across Alphabet’s commercial and operations network over the last nine years, I’ve been fortunate to build and develop a strong strategic understanding of true customer insights and business operations to help deliver change for both Alphabet and our customers.

“I am looking forward to using this experience to continue the great work Uwe has already put into place, while anticipating the new challenges presented to us from the ‘new normal’ alongside the rest of the Management Committee.”