Volkswagen Group Ireland has recently announced a number of new appointments at management level. The appointments reflect the implementation of a strategic management succession programme whereby Irish management will be appointed to key leadership positions within Volkswagen Group Ireland.

Based in Liffey Valley, Volkswagen Group Ireland consists of five car marques – Audi, Skoda, Seat, Volkswagen Passenger Cars and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Volkswagen Group Ireland supports over 1,000 employees across its network of 96 retailers in Ireland and currently holds 25.4% of market share. The financial wing of Volkswagen Group, Volkswagen Bank has been providing vehicle finance in Ireland since 2008 with assets of €456m and currently employs 35 staff at its headquarters in Leopardstown, Dublin 18.  Volkswagen Bank has provided over €350m in vehicle finance to the Irish market since its establishment.

Zac Hollis, currently Director of Skoda will leave Ireland in February 2013 to become Sales Director for Skoda in China. Zac has been with Skoda Ireland for the past two and a half years.

John Donegan is appointed as Director of Skoda effective from 1st February 2013. John has spent the last 12 months as Head of Sales & Marketing for Volkswagen Passenger Cars and has been an integral part of the team leading VW to become the number 1 car brand in Ireland. He previously held the position of Head of Sales and Marketing for Skoda.

Paul Burke is appointed Operations Director Volkswagen Passenger Cars effective from 1st February 2013. Paul moves from the role of Director of VW Commercial Vehicles where he has led the brand to the number 1 position and record market share.

Alan Bateson is appointed to Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles effective from 1st February 2013. Alan moves from the role of Head of After Sales for Volkswagen (both passenger cars and commercial vehicles) where he has delivered programs that have made Volkswagen Ireland the number 1 importer in Europe for after sales.

Simon Elliott, CEO of Volkswagen Group Ireland commenting on the new appointments has said that he is delighted with the strength of his new team. “All of these appointments are good news for Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle and Skoda as all of the new positions are occupied by key members of our existing team who bring a wealth of experience.”

Elliott wished to thank Zac Hollis for his work with Skoda and for the strong position the brand now enjoy. “Zac has been brilliant for the brand in Ireland and now leaves the brand in an excellent position entering 2013 and beyond.”



The appointments also fulfil the promise by Elliott to appoint Irish candidates into key positions in Volkswagen Group Ireland. Following on from the appointment of Cian O’Brien as Brand Director of SEAT, of the five brands within Volkswagen Group Ireland, three are now fronted by Irish managers.