Damien O’Sullivan appointed VW Group’s UK chief, succeeding Alex Smith
Volkswagen Group UK has named Damien O’Sullivan as its new managing director from December.
O’Sullivan steps into the position following Alex Smith’s departure, who leaves the corporate at his personal request after almost 15 years of service.
O’Sullivan joins Volkswagen Group UK from Volkswagen Group Eire, the place he has served as Audi model director since 2021.
His in depth expertise inside Volkswagen Group spans a collection of worldwide roles, together with vp of seller growth on the FAW-Volkswagen three way partnership in Changchun, China, and Audi aftersales director on the nationwide gross sales firm in Taiwan.
His early profession started as a credit score analyst at AIB Capital Markets in Dublin, earlier than becoming a member of Volkswagen Group Eire in 2009 as a finance controller and later transferring into gross sales and aftersales roles.
Stefan Specht, chairman of the Volkswagen Group UK Supervisory Board, expressed confidence in O’Sullivan’s appointment:
“I’m delighted that Damien has agreed to tackle this new position as managing director of Volkswagen Group UK, and am assured he’s well-positioned to guide the UK’s largest automotive group by way of the numerous modifications we all know are forward.”
He additionally acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing managing director: “I’d prefer to thank Alex for his dedication and big contribution over the previous six years, and I want him all the very best for the longer term.”
Reflecting on his time with the corporate, Alex Smith mentioned, “I’m very happy with every little thing the staff and the networks have achieved in a interval which has included Brexit, a pandemic, a provide disaster, and the introduction of mass-market electromobility.”
He famous the corporate’s current achievements, with Volkswagen holding the place of the UK’s main passenger automobile model, Audi because the second hottest, and Škoda and Seat/Cupra attaining document market shares this yr.
He added: “With Volkswagen Industrial Autos within the quantity two place within the van market, it appears like the best time at hand over to Damien to proceed constructing on Volkswagen Group’s market-leading efficiency within the UK.”
