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Volkswagen Group UK has announced the departure of Alex Smith. Replacement Damien O’Sullivan will begin his new role as managing director on 1 December.
Smith spent nearly 15 years with Volkswagen Group UK, with the last six as Group MD.
He said: “I’m very proud of everything the team and the networks have achieved in a period which has included Brexit, a pandemic, a supply crisis and the introduction of mass-market electromobility.
“With Volkswagen the UK’s number one passenger car brand, Audi at number two and both Škoda and SEAT/CUPRA achieving record market shares so far this year, as well as Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in number two position in the van market, it feels like the right time to hand over to Damien to continue building on Volkswagen Group’s market leading performance in the UK.”
O’Sullivan joins Volkswagen Group UK from Volkswagen Group Ireland where he was Audi brand director for the last three years.
Stefan Specht, chairman of the Volkswagen Group UK Supervisory Board, said: “I’m delighted that Damien has agreed to take on this new role as Managing Director of Volkswagen Group UK, and am confident he is well positioned to lead the UK’s biggest automotive group through the significant changes we know are ahead.
“I’d also like to thank Alex for his dedication and massive contribution over the past six years, and I wish him all the best for the future.”