James Muir, 50, is to become chairman of the board of management of SEAT from September 1, 2009.

He will succeed Erich Schmitt, 62, who joined SEAT from Audi in 2006.

James Muir started his career in the planning department of Ford UK. From 1994 to mid-2001 he held a number of responsible positions with Ford and became responsible for sales at Mazda Europe in 2003, before being appointed president and CEO of Mazda Europe in 2005.