Bosses at MAN Truck & Bus have announced Thomas Hemmerich will succeed Simon Elliott as managing director of MAN Truck & Bus UK from February 1, 2017.

Hemmerich is currently managing director of MAN Truck & Bus Austria, and has worked for the company since 2003.

Announcing his appointment Jean-Yves Kerbrat, MAN senior vice president head of region western Europe, said: “Thomas has a wide range of experience that will stand him in good stead in the UK and, most importantly, he is looking forward to the challenge.”

Prior to taking up his role in Austria, Hemmerich has served as CEO of MAN Truck & Bus Germany, regional head of sales for Africa and senior vice president sales management MAN Truck & Bus in Munich.

Hemmerich said: “I am looking forward to working in the UK and I relish the challenges that lie ahead.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to lead MAN Truck & Bus UK, there is huge potential here and I know I will be building on a strong platform.

“The launch of the van, the MAN TGE, will bring more to our range and it is a very exciting time to be joining the company.”

Elliott, the outgoing managing director, added: “I am delighted to be handing over to Thomas and I know he will bring his experience and expertise to bear here in the UK. I wish him and the whole team at MAN Truck & Bus UK continued success.”