Bringing over 20 years’ in the automotive industry, including roles at Nissan Europe and Impetus Automotive, Francis takes over responsibility for developing fleet business and sales of used cars across the Fiat Group: the Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Jeep and Chrysler brands.

Reporting to commercial director Karl Howkins, Francis joins Fiat UK's Commercial Operations department – formed last year – which is responsible for all passenger car retail sales, fleet, used and logistics operations.

‘I am very much looking forward to this new challenge,’ said Francis. ‘The fact that Fiat Chrysler is taking fleet so seriously was a natural draw for me. The group is clearly evolving and I look forward to growing our fleet share in the industry on the back of our current line-up and including new Fiat and Jeep launches in 2015.’

‘I am delighted to welcome Francis to the Fiat Chrysler Group,’ adds Karl Howkins. ‘Over the last year we have completely overhauled the fleet team bringing in key personnel specifically from outside the company to deliver a much better customer experience.

‘We know we still have work to do to improve our fleet appeal to corporate and user chooser fleets, but I'm extremely confident that with our huge new product offensive and, more importantly, Francis on board, we will deliver that.’