Volvo UK Leadership Shake-up: New Team to Drive Direct Sales Model Forward

Volvo Announces Major UK Leadership Restructuring

Volvo Cars has unveiled significant changes to its UK leadership team as the Swedish manufacturer continues to build on what managing director Nicole Melillo Shaw describes as an "incredible journey" since adopting the agency sales model.

New Financial Leadership Arrives from Porsche

The most prominent appointment sees Marc Piovesan joining as chief financial officer, taking over from Johan Olsson who departed last July after five years in the role. Piovesan brings substantial experience from his previous position as CFO at Porsche Cars GB and will officially begin his duties on February 23.

Commenting on his new role, Piovesan said: "I am really excited to be joining Volvo Cars. The UK business has been through huge transformation in the last few years and watching from the sidelines I have always been impressed at the results. I am looking forward to joining the team and supporting the business to reach new heights."

Expanded Roles for Consumer Experience and Marketing

In other key changes, Suzanne Woolley's position as consumer operations director has been expanded to consumer experience and operations director, reflecting Volvo's increased focus on delivering what the company describes as a "premium direct-to-consumer experience." Woolley will maintain her position on Volvo's UK executive management team.

Meanwhile, Louise French transitions from her role as head of marketing Europe & APeC to become strategic marketing director for the UK & Ireland cluster from February 1. This strategic move positions French to lead the brand's agency sales model implementation in the region.

Reporting Structure and Departure

All three executives - Piovesan, Woolley and French - will report directly to UK managing director Nicole Melillo Shaw in their new capacities.

The leadership restructuring also includes the departure of Rob Deane, who will leave his position as commercial operations director in April to "pursue an opportunity outside Volvo Car UK." Management has acknowledged Deane's significant contribution during his tenure, noting he oversaw a period of "significant growth across sales, aftersales, retail network operations and fleet" since joining in March 2024.

Continuing the Transformation Journey

Melillo Shaw expressed confidence in the new team structure, stating: "Marc's track-record of financial and operational excellence will be a fantastic addition to our business, and I am really looking forward to working with him. Volvo Car UK has been on an incredible journey since we transformed into a direct-to-consumer model, and there is still much opportunity for us to continue to grow in the UK."

She added: "I also wanted to thank Rob for everything he has achieved during his time with the business and to congratulate Louise and Suzanne on their new roles within Volvo Car UK."

These leadership changes come at a pivotal time for Volvo in the UK market as the brand continues to refine its agency sales approach, which has seen manufacturers take more direct control over pricing and customer relationships while working closely with established dealer networks.