Alphabet has appointed Clive Buhagiar as its interim chief operating officer as Uwe Hildinger moves to Alphabet Germany as chief executive officer.

Clive Buhagiar becomes interim COO as well as head of operational services at Alphabet GB

Buhagiar retains his current position of head of operational services while also taking on interim responsibility for the whole operational function of Alphabet GB. He will also join the Alphabet Management Committee.

Buhagiar joined Alphabet in 2011 following the acquisition of ING Car Lease and was initially head of public sector before becoming head of commercial performance in 2014.

In 2018, he became head of operational services; a role focused on improving customer experience and cost control, working across the wider business, as well as with group partners and the supplier network.

He commented: “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.

“I’m pleased that in this interim role, I will be able to continue working with my current team, supporting the backbone of Alphabet GB with innovative developments in new vehicles and proactively managing changing consumer demands.”

He added: “I wish Uwe every success as he takes up the position of CEO of Alphabet Germany.”