Citroen UK announces Karl Howkins to replace Bek Hassan as managing director

Citroen UK has announced that Karl Howkins will be appointed managing director in June as Bek Hassan moves to PSA Group.

Hassan is transferring to a senior position at PSA Group, Paris, and that Howkins will step into the role as of June 1.

Howkins (pictured) has been the managing director of Opel Switzerland since 2016, and has previously held senior positions at FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK, Opel Netherlands and Vauxhall Motors.

Citroën Automobiles UK’s director general Peugeot, Stéphane Le Guével, said: “The Citroën brand will launch several significant new products in the next few months, so I am pleased that Karl’s appointment is happening now.

"Citroën’s repositioning, in line with its new “Inspired By You” brand signature, is perfectly illustrated by its latest products, its advertising strategy and the new corporate identity for the dealer network.

"I am totally confident that Karl will build on these recent successes for the Citroën brand, here in the UK.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bek Hassan for everything he has done for the business over the past five years, and to congratulate him on his new head office role in Paris.” 

Howkins said: “I am delighted to return to the UK at such an exciting time in the development of the Citroën brand.

"With a raft of new products on the horizon, including the flagship New C5 Aircross SUV this autumn, the opportunities are fantastic to drive profitable growth with our dealer partners.”