Martin Sander Appointed Audi Sales and Marketing Head

Audi has announced a significant leadership change, with Martin Sander returning to the company to head Sales and Marketing. Effective October 1, 2026, Sander will assume the Board of Management responsibility for these key areas. Concurrently, Marco Schubert, who currently holds the Sales and Marketing position at Audi, will transition to a new role within the Volkswagen Group, focusing on the North American region.

Leadership Transition at Audi and Volkswagen Group

The Volkswagen Group and AUDI AG are realigning key management positions, with changes set to take effect on October 1, 2026. Martin Sander, previously responsible for Sales, Marketing, and After Sales at the Volkswagen brand, will rejoin Audi's Board of Management. His new role will oversee the global Sales and Marketing divisions for the Four Rings.

Marco Schubert will move into a new position as a member of the Extended Executive Committee of the Volkswagen Group for the North American region. In this capacity, Schubert will manage the overall operations for North America and report directly to Oliver Blume, the CEO of Volkswagen Group. This move signifies a strategic focus on the North American market within the broader Volkswagen organization.

Martin Sander's Return to Audi

Martin Sander's appointment marks his return to Audi, where he previously held various leadership roles from 1995 to 2022. His extensive career includes significant international sales and market experience, particularly across Europe and North America. This background is expected to be instrumental in his new leadership role at Audi, the Martin Sander Audi appointment.

Manfred Döss, Chair of the Audi Supervisory Board, noted Sander's deep familiarity with Audi and his broad experience within the automotive industry. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner also highlighted Sander's international expertise and strong network within the Volkswagen Group as crucial assets for his new responsibilities.

Marco Schubert's New Role and Contributions

Marco Schubert has served as a Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing at Audi since September 2024. During his tenure, he was also part of the Extended Executive Committee of the Volkswagen Group, focusing on Sales, Marketing, and After Sales. His leadership at Audi involved driving a major model initiative and strengthening customer focus and collaboration with importers and dealers.

Gernot Döllner acknowledged Schubert's efforts in realigning Audi's sales strategy and setting strategic directions for the company's business in China, including the launch of a new sister brand. In his upcoming role, Schubert will leverage his experience to lead the Volkswagen Group's North American operations, reporting directly to the Group CEO.

These executive appointments reflect a strategic shift in leadership for Audi and the wider Volkswagen Group, aiming to strengthen market positions and operational focus. The changes are set to influence Audi's global sales and marketing strategies, as well as the Volkswagen Group's regional approach in North America, starting in the final quarter of 2026, following the Martin Sander Audi appointment.