Movers and Shakers: the latest job moves in automotive

Bentley has promoted sales and marketing director Christophe Georges to a seat on its executive board. 

Georges joined Bentley in 1998 and has held several key positions since, including two stints as its president and CEO for the Americas region. 

“I am relishing the prospect of continuing to work closely with my colleagues to provide fresh momentum and direction as we grow our brand, our audience base and our entire sales and marketing operations,” said Georges.

Frank-Steffen Walliser, CEO of Bentley, added that Georges is “perfectly placed to realise our brand and sales ambitions”. 

Name: James Crichton

Company: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Role: Regional director for the Middle East and Africa

James Crichton has been named as Rolls-Royce’s next regional director for the “hugely important” Middle East and Africa region. 

Crichton has held a number of senior positions at the luxury car maker since 2010 and has worked as the general manager of its global sales operations for the past six years.

Julian Jenkins, Rolls-Royce’s director of sales and brand, said: “I am delighted to welcome James Crichton to his new role as regional director Middle East and Africa.

“James has more than 14 years of experience with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and has held several leading positions in the company during this time.

“This latest move to Dubai reunites him with the regional office he was asked to establish in 2011.

“Middle East and Africa is a hugely important region for our business, and I wish James continued success in his role leading the excellent team which serves the region.”

Name: Maria Grazia Davino

Company: BYD

Role: Regional managing director for Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Austria and the Czech Republic

Maria Grazia Davino has been announced as the new regional managing director for BYD in Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Austria and the Czech Republic.

The news comes days after she stepped down as managing director of Stellantis UK – a position she held since July 2023.

Stella Li, executive vice president of BYD, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Maria Grazia to our team. Her extensive experience and visionary leadership will be pivotal as we continue to grow and innovate in the European automotive landscape."

Name: Eurig Druce

Company: Stellantis UK

Role: Managing director

Eurig Druce has been named as the next managing director of Stellantis UK, replacing Maria Grazia Davino.

Druce has worked in what is now Stellantis since 2001, having started as an apprentice with Peugeot UK in 2001.

He spent three years heading up Citroën’s British arm between 2020 and 2023 before serving as sales chief for Stellantis UK. He was named Peugeot UK boss in July this year and will continue in that role until his replacement is found.

Jean-Philippe Imparato, who was recently named as Stellantis’s new chief operating officer for the Enlarged Europe region, said: “I am delighted to be able to appoint Eurig Druce to this position. His proven track record in the country will provide continuity of our strategy in this important market.

Name: Jon Colbeth

Company: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Role: President, North America