Damien O'Sullivan to become Managing Director of Volkswagen Group UK

November 12, 2024 by Volkswagen Group UK

• Alex Smith to stand down as O'Sullivan takes over as MD from 1 December

• O'Sullivan joins the UK from current role as Audi Brand Director in Volkswagen Group Ireland

Damien O'Sullivan has been appointed Managing Director of Volkswagen Group UK, succeeding Alex Smith who is leaving the company at his own request.

O'Sullivan joins Volkswagen Group UK from Volkswagen Group Ireland where he has held the position of Audi Brand Director for the last three years. Prior to this, O'Sullivan 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. Damien's early career began as a credit analyst with AIB Capital Markets in Dublin. He joined Volkswagen Group Ireland as a Finance Controller in 2009, before moving to roles in Sales and Aftersales.

Smith leaves behind him a strong legacy having spent nearly 15 years with Volkswagen Group UK, with the last six as Group Managing Director. Commenting on his departure, 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.'

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.'

O'Sullivan will begin his new role on 1 December, with Smith departing the business after a handover period.