ALEX Smith has decided to leave his job as Managing Director of Nissan and rejoin Volkswagen, the company he left two years ago.

Smith will be the new Managing Director of Volkswagen Group, effective January 01, 2019. Smith replaces Paul Willis who is leaving after five years with the Group to pursue a new opportunity outside of VW.

Smith has extensive automotive industry experience. Having started at Ford and Kia, Smith joined the Volkswagen Group UK in 2007. He headed the functions of Group Parts Operations, Retail Operations for Volkswagen Passenger Cars, before becoming Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in November 2011. On July 01, 2014 he was appointed as Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, reporting to Paul Willis.

Willis will not be leaving the Milton Keynes HQ immediately, though. He is to stay on into Q1 2019 to ensure a smooth transition to Smith.

Commenting on his appointment, Smith said:

“I am very pleased to be returning to Volkswagen Group UK, especially at such a challenging yet exciting time for both the company and the automotive industry in general.

“Thanks to huge levels of investment, particularly in the field of e-mobility, the Group is well positioned for a strong future.”