LONDON — Toyota (GB) has appointed Richard Leonard as its new head of PR, replacing James Clark, who moved to the National Farmers’ Union earlier this year after more than six years with the car maker.

Leonard will lead the press and PR team for the Toyota and Lexus brands, reporting to Emma Lane, general manager of brand communications.

His experience in the automotive sector includes providing consultancy services to Honda in the UK and Europe while running his own firm, Scribbler Communications, including directing motor shows and events, corporate and ESG reporting, media relations and crisis management. Leonard has also worked with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, AXA, Dixons Group and BT, and was head of PR at Three Mobile on an interim contract.

Most recently, Leonard was a director of Influence Emobility, a sister agency to automotive specialist Influence Associates dedicated to the electric vehicle sector. During his time at the agency he led the European launch programme for NYSE-listed EV start-up Fisker, the global launch of Wiesmann’s electric roadster Project Thunderball and a scale-up campaign for EV tyre specialist Enso.

Commenting on his new role, Leonard said: “I’m extremely pleased to be joining Toyota at such a watershed moment in the industry, one that brings so many opportunities for these amazing brands. I’ve admired Toyota from afar for many years and can’t wait to be part of such a talented team, continuing to drive the business to even more success as the sector develops in this era of electrification and next generation mobility technologies.”