Smart UK has appointed Louise O’Sullivan as its new chief executive, taking up the role effective from February 1.
O’Sullivan replaces Jason Allbutt, who is returning to Mercedes-Benz as sales director after two years as Smart UK CEO.
O’Sullivan brings more than 25 years’ experience across marketing, commercial strategy, network operations and automotive financial services.
She joins smart UK from Volvo Car Financial Services UK, where she most recently served as deputy managing director and commercial director.
In that role, she led commercial transformation, supported the transition to agency models and played a senior role in governance and leadership.
Earlier in her career, O’Sullivan was an executive director at Renault Group UK, holding positions including marketing director and network operations director.
She was responsible for multi-brand strategy, electric vehicle programmes and dealer network performance across the UK and wider Northern Territory.
O’Sullivan said. “Smart is going from strength to strength, with an award-winning model range and the upcoming introduction of the new #2.
“I look forward to leading the company’s continued growth in the UK over the years to come.”
Smart has only teased its new #2 electric city car, but is expanding its range in the UK, with the #5 launched in October last year.
Agency model experience
With regards to Allbutt’s return to Mercedes-Benz, Olivier Reppert, chief executive and managing director, Mercedes-Benz UK, said: “Jason has considerable experience and a clear understanding of the Mercedes-Benz UK business and our sales network under the agency model, which he helped introduce.
“I am very much looking forward to working closely with Jason, alongside our network partners, to further strengthen our UK sales success.”
Allbutt said (pictured above left): “It’s truly exciting to return to the brand where I began my career, especially as we celebrate 140 years of innovation.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with the whole team, and our network partners, to drive sales of our incredible product line-up and build on our position in the market.”