DS Automobiles names Jules Tilstone as new UK MD

DS Automobiles, part of Groupe PSA, has named Jules Tilstone as its new UK managing director, replacing Alain Descat,

Tilstone has held the position of European commercial director of DS Automobiles since 2017, having worked for PSA Groupe for more than 20 years.

He started his career with the company as a commercial manager, developing his career in national fleet and then marketing before moving to DS Automobiles in 2014 to the position of international head of marketing.

Since his appointment as European commercial director, he has been instrumental in formulating and implementing the brand’s strategy and product developments.

He said: “It is a great privilege to take on the role of managing director for DS Automobiles in the UK.

“I have worked very closely with Alain over the past few years and appreciate all the hard work and effort he has put into developing the strength of the DS Brand in the UK. I am thoroughly looking forward to building on this work.”

Descat departs the UK to take the position of marketing director for France.

Tilstone continued: “We have an exciting future ahead as a young and agile new premium brand with electrification at the heart of our strategy. 

“We have an enormous opportunity to deliver a razor sharp customer focus as we look to establish a seamless digital presence, consolidating our DS Stores and Salons and are committed to providing the choice between a digital and a physical experience at each and every stage of the journey.  The ultimate luxury for our clients is choice.”

Over the past six months, DS Automobiles has opened two of its biggest DS Showrooms in the UK - with DS Store Leicester, and its flagship, DS Store West London - and launched its Virtual Showroom platform which includes a 360° virtual tour with a trained DS Advisor, and this week launches its selling on-line service.

Tilstone will report to Alison Jones, group managing director UK, who said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome Jules into the role of managing director of DS Automobiles in the UK.

“Jules already has a proven track record working with DS as the brand has gone from strength to strength across Europe.  

She added: “I would like to thank Alain Descat for all the great work he has done to develop DS Automobiles across the UK over the past few years, and wish him all the best for the next stage in his career.”