She will be responsible for overseeing the organisation’s HR function, which includes pay and reward, learning and development, and health and safety.

Ashcroft has worked at Ford Retail for eight years in a range of roles, including head of HR and HR manager.

Her previous jobs include senior HR consultant at Coda and HR manager at Gamestation.

Ashcroft said: “This is a very exciting time for the organisation, particularly from a personnel perspective.

“More than any other organisation I’ve worked with, the HR function at Ford Retail plays a leading role in achieving the overarching objectives of the business.”