Steve Roberts has been appointed general manager – corporate sales at BMW Group UK, effective March 1, 2022.

Roberts is an experienced BMW executive with over 25 years with the brand. He is also no stranger to the corporate environment, having previously run MINI corporate and the used car operation between 2017 and 2019.

BMW says that Roberts’ experience will ensure the continued development for both the BMW and MINI brands in the fleet and corporate market, with a particular focus on electrification as mobility needs of business customers evolve.

Roberts replaces Rob East, who now moves up to head the national sales team three years after joining BMW from Mercedes-Benz.

East will be supported by Andrew Sargeant as manager – BMW sales development, responsible for sales campaigns and incentives.

The final change in the BMW sales team is the appointment of former head of national sales, Gary Lewington, who has been appointed to general manager – future retail, a new role within BMW Group UK.

Lewington, a vastly experienced BMW executive, will be tracking changing customer behaviors in this newly created role, with an increasing focus on the digital customer journey.

Julian Jenkins, BMW Group UK sales director, commenting on the changes said:

“I’m delighted we are able to create a new role specifically focused on ensuring BMW Group UK remains at the forefront of our changing industry. We have a wealth of experience within the team who have delivered exceptional quality of business, maximized market potential and steered our customers and retail partners through the challenging market environment of the past two years. I’m confident all four will continue their success in these new roles.”