SHANGHAI — China’s Zeekr model has employed a former Lexus govt to helm its operations in Europe, as the electrical automobile maker owned by Geely plans to enter the market later this yr.

Spiros Fotinos, who spent 24 years with Toyota Motor and led the model administration of Lexus globally, joined Zeekr in September as CEO of Zeekr Europe to supervise the model’s operation within the area, a memo seen by Reuters confirmed. He was head of Lexus Europe from December 2019 till September 2022.

A Zeekr consultant confirmed the appointment of Fotinos, and on his LinkedIn web page he’s listed as a vice chairman at Zeekr, primarily based in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Fotinos was named an Automotive Information Europe Rising Star in 2012, when he was head of selling, gross sales planning and logistics at Toyota Spain.

The beforehand unreported transfer underscores Zeekr’s efforts to ascertain a foothold within the premium EV phase within the residence markets of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

Zeekr on Wednesday mentioned it deliberate to supply the SUV-styled Zeekr X and its Zeekr 001 EV sedan in Western Europe. Zeekr beforehand mentioned it could begin delivering in Europe within the fourth quarter of this yr.

Zeekr CEO Andy An mentioned then the corporate would supply extra particulars on its technique for abroad gross sales on the Shanghai auto present, scheduled for April 18-27. It goals to promote 140,000 Zeekr automobiles this yr, doubling the determine in 2022, An added.