MARTIN Burke, Skoda’s head of fleet, is departing his post after eight years.
However, Martin will be staying within the Volkswagen Group – which owns Skoda – as he takes up the new role of head of customer quality for Volkswagen Group UK this month.
Martin has helped transform Skoda fleet and business sales as Skoda itself has transformed from the initial bargain brand offering, to a more complete business proposition with cars such as the newly launched Skoda Octavia.
Under the guidance of Martin Burke, Skoda fleet sales have risen 8,500 in 2004 to 23,524 in 2012, matched by a growing number of fleet sales managers to ensure full Skoda fleet coverage in the UK and Northern Ireland.
Other initiatives introduced by Martin Burke include the ‘Fit for Fleet’ programme: specific training and development for specialist retailers to concentrate on growing fleet sales to local small businesses and SMEs with a small fleet of company cars.
Martin Burke said on his ‘retirement’ from the head of fleet post:
“We are now taken seriously as a credible fleet player in the industry and have built excellent and sustainable customer relationships.
Martin has made an exceptional contribution to the development of our fleet business.
“The success story will most definitely continue with the forthcoming introduction of the new Octavia which I firmly believe will become the ‘next company car of choice’.”
Alasdair Stewart, Skoda brand director added: “Martin has made an exceptional contribution to the development of our fleet business. He’s built a very strong team that is widely recognised and appreciated throughout the industry, and helped further establish Skoda with small fleet operators as a brand that delivers great quality cars at outstanding value for money.”