BMW Group UK has appointed Steve Roberts as its new general manager – corporate sales as Rob East moves into national sales.

Steve Roberts, general manager – corporate sales at BMW Group UK

The changes, effective immediately and part of a wider rejig of the UK sales division, will see Steve Roberts draw on his 25 years’ plus of experience with BMW Group.

He was previously in charge of Mini Corporate and Used Cars between 2017 and 2019, and will use his background to ensure the continued development for both brands in the fleet and corporate market, with a particular focus on electrification as mobility needs of business customers evolve.

Roberts replaces fleet stalwart Rob East, who has led Corporate Sales for the BMW and Mini brands since joining the group in 2019 and now becomes general manager – national sales.

Rob East now becomes general manager – national sales from his previous corporate sales position at BMW Group UK

East is credited with having transformed the corporate sales function in the past three years, “positioning BMW Group UK as the leading premium brand in this area and delivering year-on-year growth”.

The management changes within BMW’s UK sales division have been prompted by its creation of a new general manager – future retail role, which has been taken up by Gary Lewington, previously in the general manager – national sales now assumed by Rob East. BMW said it had created the new future retail position on the back of recent market developments, as well as changing customer behaviours and an increasing focus on digital customer interaction.

Lewington’s career at BMW Group spans 34 years, and the brand added that his experience of the BMW Retail Partner network and his broader knowledge of the company made him the ideal candidate for this new role.

The changes also see Andrew Sargeant become manager – BMW sales development, reporting to Rob East and responsible for sales campaigns and incentives. Sargeant brings significant experience to this new position from his previous roles in in the company.

Julian Jenkins, sales director at BMW Group UK, said: “I’m delighted we are able to create a new role specifically focused on ensuring BMW Group UK remains at the forefront of our changing industry. We have a wealth of experience within the team who have delivered exceptional quality of business, maximised market potential and steered our customers and retail partners through the challenging market environment of the past two years. I’m confident all four will continue their success in these new roles.”