Who should own a dealer relationship inside a manufacturer?

Every priority dealer relationship should have a named, documented owner inside your company with a clear backup, so the relationship survives turnover, vacations, and territory changes. Ownership means one person is accountable for the health and growth of that relationship. The relationship should be documented beyond a contact record, capturing decision-makers, what the dealer values, the history of the relationship, commitments made, and current status, so a new owner can step in without starting over.