INEOS Automotive has appointed former Kia UK executive Sanka De Silva (pictured) as regional director for the UK and Ireland as the Grenadier manufacturer looks to capitalise on growing fleet demand and expand its retail network.
The appointment follows INEOS Automotive’s strongest quarter to date, with Q1 2026 orders rising 20% year-on-year as fleet enquiries and supply agreements continue to accelerate.
De Silva, who joined the company in May, will lead commercial operations across the UK and Ireland, with a focus on strategic growth, retail network expansion and supporting increasing fleet activity for the Grenadier range.
INEOS said substantial new fleet sales were already showing solid growth, with interest from fleet operators increasing significantly over the past six months following more than three years of production and over 36,000 vehicle deliveries globally.
De Silva brings 15 years of automotive experience, having started his career through Nissan UK’s graduate scheme before holding a series of senior management positions at Kia UK, including marketing director and sales director over the last five years.
He will oversee the appointment of additional sales and service points across the UK and Ireland in the coming months as INEOS continues expanding its commercial footprint.
Mike Whittington, chief commercial officer at INEOS Automotive, said: “We welcome Sanka to the team. His well-rounded experience across sales, marketing and network development in the UK will be extremely valuable as we consolidate recent successes.
“With existing customers now returning for updated Grenadiers and fleet managers trusting our product across a huge variety of use cases, it’s a very exciting time to come aboard.”
Sanka De Silva, regional director UK and Ireland at INEOS Automotive, said: “It’s an exciting prospect to step away from large legacy OEMs and join a business seeking to break down barriers with its highly differentiated, distinctive product and an incredibly dedicated team.
“Growing our footprint here will anchor the efforts being achieved already with our latest model upgrades and a growing fleet order bank. While mud might be new to me, the end goal is not, and I look forward to being part of the journey.”
INEOS Automotive said the newly launched MY26 Grenadier range, combined with growing fleet adoption, would be a key driver in unlocking further market potential in the UK.
