McLaren Automotive new marketing management

McLaren Automotive has announced the appointment of two new team members to help the company deliver its international and regional plans. The new car company is gearing up for the McLaren MP4-12C, the first in its range of high-performance cars, which will go on sale in the Middle East in summer 2011.

Greg Levine has been appointed McLaren’s new Sales and Marketing Director, leading the company’s first full year of global commercial operations, while Tom Pryor fills the position of Marketing and Public Relations Manager for the Middle East and South Africa regions.

Levine has over 15 years experience in the automotive industry, including a successful five-year spell as Head of Audi South Africa. With previous experience in Italy and, most recently, at Audi UK as Head of Operations, Levine will bring to McLaren Automotive a broad and successful past and valuable exposure to commercially impactful marketing, retailer and customer programmes.

Commenting on his appointment, Greg Levine said: “McLaren’s plans for a brand new car company are unique: they cover all aspects from design and development, to setting up a global retail network, and launching new technologies and processes that benefit the customer. I have watched this project grow with great interest and feel privileged to join such an exciting and dynamic brand at such an important phase in its development.”

Tom Pryor brings many years’ experience in automotive communications. He spent the past three-and-a-half years working for the representative dealer of Audi in Abu Dhabi during a period of rapid change for the company. Pryor helped launch both the Audi A8 and R8 in the market, and ensured a successful implementation of consumer relations strategies.

Pryor will be based in Manama, Bahrain, and will be responsible for developing McLaren Automotive’s communication and public relations activities and strategies, as well as conducting the necessary market research to maintain brand awareness in the Middle East and South Africa markets. Pryor will receive public relations support from McLaren Automotive’s PR agency in the region, Performance PR.

“Being part of launching the MP4-12C in the Middle East and Africa is a fantastic opportunity. This is one of the world’s most dynamic markets, one that is known for its passion for high-end sports cars.” said Pryor.

Welcoming Pryor to the McLaren Automotive regional team, Ian Gorsuch, Regional Director for the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, said: “Tom has an impressive track record in the automotive industry in the region and his appointment comes at a crucial time. He is a great addition to our team, and I am certain that his role with us will help McLaren grow into our desired position as a market leader in the Middle East.”

The 12C, which will go on sale in the Middle East this summer, will be the first in a range of high-performance sports cars from the home of the world’s most successful racing car company.

The 12C is destined to be a big hit among the region’s car enthusiasts, and is set to rewrite the rules of sports car design through Formula 1-inspired engineering and revolutionary chassis architecture. Its carbon-fibre MonoCell structure will offer an absolute focus on performance with efficiency, great packaging, the strongest of safety cells, and the ideal balance of interior space and exterior dimensions.