Volkswagen Group UK has named Damien O’Sullivan as its new managing director from December, succeeding Alex Smith.

Damien O’Sullivan succeeds Alex Smith as MD of Volkswagen Group UK from 1 December

O’Sullivan joins following three years as Audi brand director in Volkswagen Group Ireland. He spent six years in the group’s overseas and China regions as vice president dealer development for Audi at the company’s FAW joint venture business in Changchun, China and as Audi aftersales director at the NSC in Taiwan.

He started his early career as a credit analyst with AIB Capital Markets in Dublin, and joined Volkswagen Group Ireland as a finance controller in 2009, before moving to roles in sales and aftersales.

Damien O’Sullivan replaces Alex Smith who, following a handover period, will depart the company at his own request, having spent nearly 15 years with Volkswagen Group UK. This includes the last six years as group managing director.

Smith 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.”

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.”