VAUXHALL fleet operations director Mike Bonner is to step down after seven years in the post and in his 40th year with the manufacturer. However, Bonner is to remain with Vauxhall for a further three years - to his 60th birthday - in the new position of general manager corporate sales with responsibility for Vauxhall's six-strong corporate sales team, major solus and dual badge customers, new business with major customers, government and police sales and global and pan-European fleet business.

On March 31, Bill Parfitt, who has held a number of posts in the retail motor industry and was latterly managing director of Henly's Motor Division, where he was responsible for 37 dealerships and a staff of 1,500 and was on the Henlys Group board, will become fleet operations director. He started at Vauxhall last week where he is fleet operations director (designate). There will be a 'handover period' before Bonner takes 'early retirement' on June 30 but then assumes his new role with immediate effect.

Bonner's move, which has been rumoured within the fleet industry for several months, comes following health concerns last year. Now in good health Bonner told Fleet NewsNet: 'I had a concern about my health in spring last year and although 100% fit now it made me think about my future direction.'