Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) managing director Karsten Seifert has announced new appointments in senior management at the European importer.
There are new directors for Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles, Skoda and Finance/IT.
“These three new appointees arrive as VGA undergoes transformation, and our whole team implements an aligned strategy for our five brands, one that is integrated into the global approach,” Seifert says.
“That means improvements in cooperation, mobility services and the cars our customers drive on the road.”
“VGA’s overall BEV choices will more than double, while almost every model range is being updated either with a new generation or by significant mid-life upgrades. We have developed a common strategic plan to increase the presence of all VGA brands in this market.”
The new senior leadership team members are PierGiorgio Minto, Lucie Kuhn and Michael Raethe.
“They have more than 60 years of combined experience within the Volkswagen Group with strong market knowledge and great connections with their headquarters to implement our long-term ambitions in Australia,” Seifert says.
Minto will start as Director of Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles in December at VGA’s national headquarters in Sydney’s Zetland. He has worked for Volkswagen for two decades in Germany, Japan, South America, and his native Italy.
Minto replaces Michal Szaniecki, whose three-year contract has reached completion.
“Michal has been an inspirational leader,” Seifert says. “He has been a key factor in the brand’s post-COVID recovery, bringing it to the verge of electrification. He has inspired great loyalty and affection from all fortunate to work with him. He will pursue his career elsewhere within the Group while maintaining close connections to us.”
Kuhn will begin as Skoda’s director early in 2025. She will succeed Michael Irmer, who started in his new VGA Director of group aftersales post on October 1. Skoda Australia’s long-serving Kieran Merrigan is currently the brand’s Acting Director.
Kuhn joined VGA from Skoda Auto in the Czech Republic, where she was Regional Manager for Southern Europe, including France, Italy, and Spain. She has 20 years of experience with the Volkswagen Group, 12 of which were with Skoda.
“VGA thanks Michael Irmer for his long-term direction of the Skoda brand and Kieran Merrigan, who continues to support the team and its partners,” Seifert says.
“Lucie has been a vital factor in Skoda’s exceptional performance in Europe, where it has risen to the fourth best-selling brand this year. She will continue that performance here with her insights and experience.”
Michael Raethe has replaced Gabriele De Neidels as Director of Finance and IT following the fulfilment of her contract. He started at Zetland last month. His two decades of experience include being a brand controller at Volkswagen UK.
“Gabi was not only the CFO for five years, she was also Acting Managing Director for almost 12 months during that period,” Seifert says. “She steered the company through the COVID-19 crisis and oversaw the merger of VGA with Audi Australia.”
“Michael is already making his mark at VGA. His deep understanding of markets and the Group’s financial workings is part of achieving our ambitions in Australia.”
Seifert says that these significant appointments signal VGA’s ambitions.
“VGA’s combined BEV presence is rising from four to 14,” he said. “Already, VGA has an unrivalled presence in conventional vehicles – everything from a city car to a supercar with a class-leading light commercial range.
“This is a unique market, and VGA is a unique company. Whether your vehicle of choice is re-fuelled or re-charged, we have all personal mobility and fleet solutions covered.”
