Stellantis UK has appointed Maria Grazia Davino as its group managing director, replacing Paul Willcox who has decided to retire.

Maria Grazia Davino becomes group managing director from 1 September

Davino assumes the UK lead role from 1 September, bringing 20 years’ automotive experience. She joined the Fiat group in 2011 and has held the positions of CEO of Austria, Switzerland and Germany. In 2021, Davino became head of sales and marketing in the Enlarged Europe division of the newly created Stellantis Group.

Uwe Hochgeschurtz, chief operating officer, Enlarged Europe, said: “I am very pleased that with Maria Grazia Davino we have gained a proven industry expert for this position. She has many years of experience in international automotive sales and her expertise will ensure that Stellantis’ brands will continue to be successful in the important UK market.

“At the same time, I would like to thank Paul Willcox for the successful merger of the two existing legacies into a powerful national sales company that will be able to master the major challenges of the future. We are the number one in the UK in electric commercial vehicles and we want to further expand this strong position in the total market.”

Paul Willcox commented: “Whilst I look forward to more time with my family and pastimes, I will be very sorry to leave such a dedicated and professional team as that I have in the UK. I warmly welcome Maria Grazia to the UK business where I know, from my experience in working with her, that she will make a significant contribution to the continued success of the business.”