Mr Blank will be responsible for developing the presence of Infiniti in the region and driving the dealer performance.

In particular he will lead Infiniti in identifying opportunities in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Poland.

Commenting on his appointment, he said: ‘To support Infiniti's development in Central Europe at a time when the company is staring to accelerate its position within the market-place is an extraordinary opportunity.

‘The company is still in its infancy within Europe but with the high-level partnership continuing with F1 world champions Red Bull Racing, the unique Infiniti Center program and the growing product range of performance cars we are building the platform to ensure we have a sustainable and successful future.’

His appointment comes as Infiniti looks to introduce new products, including the new G saloon for Europe, which will be revealed at the Geneva motor show in 2013, followed by a luxury compact vehicle to be produced in Europe and a luxury electric vehicle based on the Infiniti Concept LE shown at the Paris Motor Show last year.

Mr Blank started his professional career in 1999 as a strategy consultant for Roland Berger and has also worked in Tokyo, where in 2003 he was responsible for the establishment of the Asia office of Industrial Investment Council GmbH.

In 2007 he joined Mazda Motor Europe GmbH in Leverkusen where he most recently held the position of director European fleet operations.