Harrison will continue evolving McLaren Automotive's presence in the Middle East following the launch in 2011 of the company's regional retail network and arrival of its debut model, the MP4-12C.

The appointment follows outgoing regional director, Ian Gorsuch's move to Singapore as regional director for Asia Pacific; a newly created position that supports the creation of McLaren Automotive Asia, a private limited company registered in Singapore to oversee McLaren Automotive's Asia Pacific operations.

Harrison said: "This is a fantastically exciting opportunity to move into a role that is at the core of the company's business, working closely with our retail partners and our customers. I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of launching McLaren Automotive to the world's media as we have grown into a new car company with truly innovative cars, but the rare chance for a PR guy to experience a commercial role out in the market was something I just couldn't turn down."

Harrison will be responsible for enhancing McLaren Automotive's presence across the Middle East and Africa, managing the company's relationships with its appointed retailers in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE (Abu Dhabi, Dubai) and South Africa.

Greg Levine, McLaren Automotive's sales and marketing director, said: Mark was one of the first appointments into the company's newly formed sales and marketing function in 2009 and has successfully supported the business through its launch phase. Throughout that time he has shown great appreciation not only for the demands of the world's media, but also the expectations of our retailers and customers. His ability to manage his PR operation in a way that considers the wider business was fundamental to his appointment as one of our four regional directors."