Bentley Motors has appointed Richard Leopold as regional director for UK, Middle East, Africa and India following Sarah Simpson’s appointment as the chief executive of Porsche Cars GB.
Leopold and Simpson take on new roles at the Volkswagen Group-owned luxury and performance car brands with the help of almost 25 years join experience with Bentley.
Leopold joined Bentley as director of product marketing in 2007 before moving to China as brand and marketing director and taking on a role as head of Bentley Russia.
In 2016, he assumed the position of sales planning and operations director, before commencing his current role as global sales and network director, responsible for Bentley’s sales planning, operations, and retailer development.
Alain Favey, Bentley’s recently-appointed member of the board for sales, marketing and aftersales, said: “Richard has an innate understanding of the Bentley brand and the regional activities around the world so is perfectly placed to build on Sarah’s outstanding contribution to the business.
“I have no doubt that he will help develop the key regions now under his responsibility as we look to transform our global business to become the leader in sustainable luxury mobility.”
Simpson has worked for the Volkswagen Group for more than 20 years, the past decade with Bentley Motors.
Joining the company as operations director, Simpson became regional director for Bentley’s home market, the UK in 2014.
Throughout the past seven years, she has assumed responsibility for other international regions, firstly adding Asia Pacific to her leadership role, before becoming regional director for UK, Middle East, Africa and India in January 2020.
Favey added: “I would also like to thank Sarah for her dedication and determination in growing every single region she had responsibility for and building a strong platform for Richard to continue on this positive trajectory.
“I am delighted that Sarah will remain part of the Volkswagen family and wish her every success in the new role.”
The UK, Middle East, Africa and India regions consist of 38 retailers, 20 of which are in the UK and combined account for approximately 16% of total sales, the UK 10% which is Bentley’s fourth biggest sales region in the world.