Infiniti Appoints New Sales Head To Lead UK Growth

ROLLE, SWITZERLAND – April 28, 2011: Infiniti’s expansion plans have been given a boost with the appointment of a new sales chief for the UK, Tony Lewis, who takes over as Regional Director Europe North from Angus Gray who in turn moves to the role of overseeing the continued growth in the network of European Infiniti Centres.

Lewis, who is from Warwick, will play a key role as Infiniti moves into the second phase of its UK launch, seeking to expand its network coverage across the region following the Japanese performance brand’s small but perfectly formed debut in late 2009.

“Infiniti’s launch has been a textbook exercise in how to introduce a new luxury brand,” said Lewis, 48. “Now we have to put tough economic times behind us and ensure we capitalise on all the good work and really start to make an impact in the UK market.

“Everything is in place for that to happen – from our unique Infiniti Centres to our partnership with Formula One World Champions Red Bull Racing to our expanding range of performance cars, which I’ve wasted little time in getting to know.

“To be involved with Infiniti at such a dynamic time in its European development is an amazing opportunity.”

Reporting to Infiniti Europe Commercial Director Guillaume Pelletreau, Lewis will be responsible for driving the sales of the expanding Infiniti line-up, focusing on key Northern European markets such as the UK. The six-model range comprises saloons, coupes, convertibles and crossovers and has recently been boosted in Europe by high performance new V6 diesel engine variants along with the debut of the M35h, one of the most technologically innovative and high performance hybrid models available − no wonder Infiniti Europe’s sales are set to double this year. Still to come are four-cylinder powered cars, a compact luxury electric vehicle and a competitor in the fast growing luxury C-segment.

Currently four Infiniti Centres are open in the UK with another two, strategically located in Leeds and Stockport, set to commence business later this year. More are planned for 2012. A further key mission for Lewis will be to drive the expansion of the network in other Northern European markets.

Lewis, a former British Army officer and self-confessed petrolhead, began his motor industry career with Ford and has worked with both cars and commercial vehicles, most recently as European Sales and Marketing Director of Nissan LCV.

He lives with his family near Warwick and among his interests counts classic motor cycles, Manchester United, rock music, the Worshipful Company of Carmen (he is a Freeman of the City of London) and raising money for a charity close to his heart, The Afghanistan Trust.