SEAT Ireland has announced the appointment of Cian O’Brien as its new Director. O’Brien becomes SEAT Ireland’s first Irish Director since SEAT became part of Volkswagen Group Ireland in 2010.

Corkman O’Brien (34) has a wealth of experience in the motor industry in Ireland having worked with brands such as Renault, Lexus, BMW, Audi and indeed SEAT at retail level. He joins SEAT Ireland from Audi Ireland where he was General Manager for Aftersales. He takes over from Adam Chamberlain who will take up a new position in the UK.

“I am delighted to be joining SEAT at a time when the brand is going through some very positive change,” said O’Brien. “I spent the early part of my career at retail level with SEAT and I am very excited to be returning to the brand.” O’Brien joins SEAT as they launch a new model offensive which includes the new SEAT Toledo, which has just gone on sale and an all-new SEAT Leon will arrive in March of 2013. This is on foot of the arrival of the all-new Ibiza and Mii earlier in the year.

Simon Elliott, CEO of Volkswagen Group Ireland is delighted with the appointment. “Cian brings a wealth of experience to the SEAT brand and we feel he is the ideal person to carry forward the ambitious plans for the brand that we have for 2013 and beyond."

In August SEAT Ireland secured a €20 million investment from parent company SEAT SA. SEAT aims to increase its market share in Ireland to 3.5% by 2015 thanks in part to its new product range and an ambitious dealership restructuring which is already underway. SEAT Ireland intends to grow its network from 22 to 26 by 2015.

“It has been well documented that it has been a tough time for the motoring industry of late, but we are confident that SEAT is well-prepared in the short to medium term. The SEAT brand is one of the most underrated of any brand on sale in Ireland today but we are confident that with the new product and the ambitious network plans that are already in place that the future is very bright for the brand here in Ireland.”

SEAT Ireland has aggressive finance and product offerings in the market for 2013, which include 3% APR Finance rates as well as 3-years Free Servicing and 3-years Warranty.