January 15, 2008

IAN NICHOLSON FOR SSANGYONG

Koelliker UK, the new importer and distributor for SsangYong, has recruited former Ferrari GB operations director Ian Nicholson, as finance and operations director.

Nicholson (41) has already taken up his new position, reporting to managing director, Paul Williams. A Cambridge graduate in economics and a qualified chartered accountant, Nicholson is the first key member of the new Koelliker UK team charged with the task of relaunching and redefining the South Korean brand in the UK.

His dual role encompasses both the commercial performance of the SsangYong franchise, dealer development, vehicle sales and financial services including network stocking plans, retail finance business and the day-to-day financial management of the UK company.

Ian Nicholson was previously with Ferrari GB for over three years as finance director and most recently, operations director responsible for improving customer satisfaction, the performance of the franchise, sales, logistics, financial services and dealer performance. Prior to joining Ferrari, he was group finance director of dealer group Toyota Tsusho Automobiles (formerly McCarthy Motor Holdings) and held senior management positions with Toyota and Lexus (GB).

Ian Nicholson said: “Joining Koelliker UK and SsangYong now is a great opportunity to bring all my experience to bear on what is a new company and a new start for the brand. I’m excited by being able to implement change and shape the future of this franchise while working with the dealers to increase sales, profitability and the position and reputation of the brand in the UK.”

Paul Williams commented: “Ian is a vital member of the new SsangYong team with the right mix of experience to hit the ground running. His appointment is also a strong signal to the dealer network that Koelliker UK is getting stuck in and is determined to make fast progress in 2008.”

Koelliker UK (KUK) became responsible for SsangYong last month (December, 2007). Although an unfamiliar name here, KUK is a new company within Gruppo Koelliker, Italy’s most important private automotive group with a 2006 turnover of €1.612 billion on sales of 92,475 vehicles. Gruppo Koelliker handles SsangYong not only in Italy, but also in Austria and Hungary. But the group’s experience of Korean brands goes even deeper than that. Koelliker also handles Kia and Hyundai in Italy, as well as Mitsubishi.

Ian Nicholson lives with his wife and daughter in Great Bookham, Surrey and relaxes with family and friends and greatly enjoys sport, especially football. He also speaks some Italian.

Ends. 

Issued on behalf of Koelliker UK Ltd by S-Presso. For further information including background facts on Gruppo Koelliker and SsangYong, contact Simon Small on 01622 812961 / 07860 438738 or simon.small@spresso.co.uk