Key management appointments at Volkswagen Group Australia
There are new directors for Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles, Skoda and Finance/IT.
“These three new appointees arrive as VGA undergoes transformation and our whole team implements an aligned strategy for our five brands, one that is integrated to the global approach. That means improvements in co-operation, in mobility services and to the cars our customers drive on the road.”
— Mr Seifert
VGA’s overall BEV choices will more than double, while almost every model range is being updated either with a new generation or by significant mid-life upgrades. We have developed a common strategic plan to increase the presence of all VGA brands in this market.
The new senior leadership team members are PierGiorgio Minto, Lucie Kuhn and Michael Raethe.
“They have more than 60 years of combined experience within the Volkswagen Group with strong market knowledge and great connections with their headquarters to implement our long-term ambitions in Australia”
— Mr Seifert.
Mr Minto starts as Director Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles in December at VGA’s national headquarters in Sydney’s Zetland. He has two decades with Volkswagen in Germany, Japan, South America and his native Italy.
Mr Minto replaces Michal Szaniecki, whose three-year contract has reached completion.
Michal has been an inspirational leader. He has been a key factor in the brand’s post-COVID recovery and has brought it to the verge of electrification. He has inspired great loyalty and affection from all who have been fortunate enough to work him. He will pursue his career elsewhere within the Group while maintaining close connections to us.
— Mr Seifert
Ms Kuhn will commence as Director of Skoda early in 2025, succeeding Michael Irmer, who started in his new post of VGA Director of Group Aftersales on October 1. Skoda Australia’s long-serving Kieran Merrigan is currently the brand’s Acting Director.
Ms Kuhn joins VGA from Skoda Auto in Czechia, where she was Regional Manager for Southern Europe, including France, Italy and Spain. She has 20 years’ experience with the Volkswagen Group, 12 of those with Skoda.
“VGA thanks Michael Irmer for his long-term direction of the Skoda brand and also Kieran Merrigan who continues to support the team and its partners”
— Mr Seifert.
Lucie has been a vital factor in Skoda’s exceptional performance in Europe, where this year it has risen to the fourth best-selling brand overall. She will continue that performance here with her personal insights and experience.
Michael Raethe has replaced Gabriele De Neidels as Director of Finance and IT following the fulfilment of her contract. He started at Zetland last month. His two decade’s experience includes brand controller at Volkswagen UK.
“Gabi was not only the CFO for five years, she was also Acting Managing Director for almost 12 months during that period. She steered the company through the crisis of COVID-19 and oversaw the merger of VGA with Audi Australia.”
— Mr Seifert
Michael is already making his mark at VGA. His deep understanding of markets and the Group’s financial workings is part of achieving our ambitions in Australia.
Mr Seifert said that these significant appointments are a signal of VGA’s ambitions.
VGA’s combined BEV presence is rising from four to 14,” he said. “Already VGA has a presence in conventional vehicles that is unrivalled – everything from a city car to a supercar with a class-leading light commercial range as well. This is a unique market, and VGA is a unique company. Whether your vehicle of choice re-fuelled or re-charged, we have all personal mobility and fleet solutions covered
— Mr Seifert
Paul Pottinger
General Manager Corporate Communications
Volkswagen Group Australia
+61 434 755 158
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