Laura Brailey has been promoted to the position of sales director at Mazda UK in recognition of her 28 years’ experience and familiarity with Mazda UK and its dealer partners.
Peter Allibon, who has been in the role for 12 years, has been promoted to be director of sales and dealer network for Mazda Europe, responsible for 22 national markets generating more than 160,000 new car sales annually, starting on November 1.
Brailey, currently head of retail operations, has been with Mazda since 1995 and has gained experience as analyst, consumer programmes manager, business manager in the North West, used car remarketing manager and fleet marketing manager, regional business manager (South) before her current role.
Mazda said she takes on the new responsibilities at a time of significant change in both Mazda and the wider auto sector, and the role of sales director is critical to the journey to full electrification and the evolution of how people buy cars.
“This is almost certainly the new-normal and our 120-strong network recognise that Mazda has a unique advantage in the stability of the leadership team, not often seen in the industry.
“Mazda UK has always maintained an extremely open and collaborative approach and these changes will continue to build on that and the close working relationship we have with our partners.”
Thomson said Allibon “has been a huge presence in our Mazda UK culture”, and he has navigated the business through tough times, including the pandemic, supply constraints and post-Brexit operational changes.
“His move to Mazda Europe is a fantastic move for him, and I wish him well in his new role,” Thomson added.
He added that he was delighted to promote Brailey. “She has worked alongside Peter for many years in one of the toughest roles in our business delivering retail sales performance month after month, building customer loyalty and renewals strategy and managing the network relationship which performs strongly in independent surveys.
“Her 28 years’ experience and familiarity with Mazda UK and our dealer partners is a huge asset to the business-critical role of sales director and I look forward to both the stability and the fresh thinking Laura will bring to our sales and dealer operation teams.”