Michel Ayat steps down as CEO of AWR Automotive

Dubai: One of the key names in the UAE’s automotive retail sector, Michel Ayat has stepped down as CEO of AWR Automotive, the Dubai and northern emirates dealership for Nissan, Infiniti, and Renault, among others.

Ayat had been at the helm for 34 years and will continue as Board Advisor to the AWR Group.

The incoming CEO will be Tom Fux, who brings in over 25 years of experience tracking 53 markets in Europe, North and Central Asian region, spanning sales and marketing, value chain optimisation, financial services, and mobility solutions.

His previous roles include being managing director at Toyota Adria, president of Toyota Germany, founding president and CEO of Kinto Europe, and senior vice-president at Toyota Motor Europe.

"Tom Fux is a dynamic leader with a proven track record of success,” said Khalid Al Rostamani, Chairman & Group CEO of AWR Group. “His extensive international experience and deep understanding of the automotive industry will be instrumental to lead AWR Automotive into its next chapter of growth and innovation,”

Established in 1968, AWR Automotive is the second largest automobile distributor in the UAE.

it is part of the group’s wider AWR Automotive division, which is also the authorised distributor for new UAE market entrants Chery, Zeekr, smart, and Royal Enfield.

"Michel Ayat's contributions to AWR Automotive over the last three decades are immeasurable," said Al Rostamani. "His dedication and leadership have not only shaped our automotive business but have also left an indelible mark on the UAE's automotive industry.”