Volvo names Robert Morris as new fleet boss

Robert Morris has been appointed as Volvo Car UK’s new head of fleet and remarketing, following Steve Beattie’s move to head of sales.

Morris, who will be reporting into commercial operations director, Matt Galvin, will be responsible for all Volvo’s UK business sales, including to leasing companies, and the supply of specialist vehicles to the emergency services and other organisations.

He will also oversee vehicle remarketing activities and residual value management.

“This is an exciting time for Volvo, with the roll-out of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles that are increasingly key choices for business customers,” said Morris. “This gives us a great opportunity to challenge the status quo in the premium market.

“Steve Beattie and the team have created an excellent foundation on which to achieve more success in true fleet and business sales.”

True fleet accounted for 27% of its sales in 2020; although volume declined by 26%, compared to an overall market decline of 28%.

It believes its growing range of plug-in hybrid and electric cars is providing valuable new opportunities for fleet and business sales.

Galvin explained: “Our ongoing electrification programme and the fundamental strengths of our renewed product range give us impressive firepower to build on the achievements we have already made.

“Robert brings valuable experience and understanding of the market to help us maximise our potential and our performance as an attractive and effective player in the premium business car market.”

Morris joins the company from Mercedes-Benz UK, where he most recently held the post of national operations manager. His previous roles within the company include national fleet development team manager, responsible for retailer development, and national strategic account manager, handling public sector clients.

Prior to joining Mercedes-Benz, he spent seven years with the Volkswagen Group as a fleet sales manager for the Skoda brand.