Jean Smith has returned to Volkswagen Financial Services UK in the new role of chief financial officer.

Jean Smith, chief financial officer at Volkswagen Financial Services UK

Smith brings more than 30 years’ experience in both captive and non-captive financial services and joined VWFS in 2001 where she was instrumental in transitioning the business during the change of regulators from the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Her return to VWFS UK follows four years in a number of international roles, most recently as joint managing director of Volkswagen Pon Financial Services BV in the Netherlands, where she worked to refocus the business strategically, operationally and financially. Previously, she held the role of head of international controlling Europe for VWFS AG in Germany.

As chief financial officer at VWFS UK, she succeeds Albert van den Bergh, who has recently moved to VWFS AG.

Commenting on her appointment, Smith said: “I have been fortunate to have a number of global assignments throughout my career, including setting up operations for VWFS China in Beijing in 2004. However, there is no place like home and the UK is one of the most important markets in Europe for automotive and motor finance. I am excited to take on the challenge of leading the next chapter of VWFS UK within an industry that’s constantly changing with new regulations, advances in technology and shifts in consumer behaviour.”