Smart UK has announced the appointment of Louise O’Sullivan as its new Chief Executive Officer, with the role set to take effect from February. The company said O’Sullivan brings more than 25 years of experience in the automotive sector at a key stage in the brand’s development.
O’Sullivan joins smart UK from Volvo Car Financial Services UK, where she most recently held a senior leadership position. During her time at Volvo, she led a series of major commercial transformation projects, supported the shift towards agency sales models and was closely involved in senior-level governance and leadership activity across the business.
Before joining Volvo, O’Sullivan spent several years at Renault Group UK, where she held a number of senior executive roles. These included positions as Marketing Director and Network Operations Director. In these roles, she oversaw multi-brand strategies, electric vehicle programmes and the performance of dealer networks. Her responsibilities also covered brand development, network optimisation and the delivery of growth plans focused on electric vehicles.
Smart UK said O’Sullivan’s combined experience across established automotive brands and EV strategy will be central as the manufacturer continues its transition to an electric-only line-up. The brand has moved away from its earlier focus on ultra-compact vehicles such as the forTwo, which helped establish smart in the market.
In recent months, smart has expanded its product range, including the launch of its largest electric vehicle to date, the smart #5 SUV. The company is also preparing for the introduction of the smart #2 as it seeks to broaden its appeal in the UK market.
Commenting on her appointment, Louise O’Sullivan said:
“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.”
Smart UK said O’Sullivan’s leadership will be focused on guiding the brand through its next phase of growth as demand for electric vehicles continues to develop across the UK.
