New growth plans at the Lookers motor group have prompted key changes in the boardroom.

Mr Craig McKinney, non-executive chairman since 1998, is stepping down to become deputy chairman so that Mr Fred Maguire, currently deputy chairman and chief executive, can become chairman.

Mr McKinney retired from his boardroom positions at Woodchester GE in mid-2000. Woodchester GE continues to hold a 29.9 per cent stake in Lookers.

Mr Maguire has been with Lookers since 1996 when it bought Northern Ireland's leading motor trader, Charles Hurst. As executive chairman, Mr Maguire will be responsible for implementing the group's strategy, managing acquisitions and looking after key franchising relationships with manufacturers.

Mr Ken Surgenor, managing director of Charles Hurst since 1996, will become group managing director.