He replaces Duncan Movassaghi, who has been appointed head of service and parts at Volkswagen UK Passenger Cars, and moves to the Skoda brand from within the Volkswagen Group, where he has most recently been head of group parts operations.

Barrow-Starkey has an engineering background and worked for services and facilities company Carillion for 18 years, serving as sector director for the latter five years, before joining the Volkswagen Group in 2011.

Alasdair Stewart, director of Skoda UK, said: ‘We are sad to see Duncan leave after 40 successful months leading the Skoda Sales department. I would like to thank him for all his efforts and achievements, and wish him good luck in his new role.

‘We are delighted to welcome Martin Barrow-Starkey as his replacement. He is a valued and welcome addition to the Skoda team. The knowledge he has gained from within the Group and from previous external roles will prove invaluable.’

Barrow-Starkey will start his new role on 1st April 2014.