- Louise O’Sullivan will join smart’s UK division as its new CEO from February, moving from her most recent role as Deputy Managing Director and Commercial Director at Volvo Car Financial Services UK.
- Louise replaces the outgoing smart UK CEO, Jason Allbutt, who is returning to a role at Mercedes-Benz.
- The appointment comes at a key turning point for the smart brand, now existing as an electric-only car brand with new models such as the smart #5.
New leadership change at smart UK
smart UK has confirmed the appointment of Louise O’Sullivan as its new Chief Executive Officer from February, bringing more than 25 years of automotive industry experience to the role at a pivotal moment for the brand.
In her previous role at Volvo Car Financial Services UK, Louise led major commercial transformation initiatives, supported the transition to agency sales models and played a central role in senior-level governance and leadership.
Prior to her most recent role at Volvo, Louise held several senior leadership roles at Renault Group UK, including executive positions as Marketing Director and Network Operations Director. There, she was responsible for multi-brand strategy, electric vehicle programmes, and dealer network performance. Her experience spans brand development, network optimisation and the delivery of EV-focused growth strategies.
All combined, Louise will bring significant EV expertise to smart UK, a brand which itself has recently pivoted to become electric-only. It’s a time of change for the manufacturer, which has moved beyond offering ultra-compact cars such as the forTwo which kickstarted the brand. Most recently, the brand launched its largest EV yet, the smart #5 SUV.
Louise O’Sullivan commented:
“I am delighted to be joining smart at such an exciting time. The brand is going from strength to strength, with an award winning model range – including the #5’s recent crowning as What Car?’s Family Electric SUV of the Year – and the upcoming introduction of the new #2. I look forward to leading the company’s continued growth in the UK over the years to come.”
