JAMES Douglas, formerly head of fleet for Audi, is swapping cars for vans with his appointment as head of sales operations for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
The appointment of James Douglas is to replace Andy Waite who left the brand last month to pursue interests outside the Volkswagen Group.
As head of sales operations, Douglas will be responsible for the:
- VW Van Centre network;
- fleet and direct sales;
- used vans; and
- special vehicles including conversions.
Commenting on the appointment, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles director Carl zu Dohna said:
“James joins the team at a crucial time in the history of the brand, with the imminent launch of the new Crafter marking the final phase of our range renewal process. I am confident that his wealth of experience in the light commercial industry will be an asset to the team, and I am looking forward to working with him.”
Douglas added: “The light commercial vehicle market is changing as business requirements for mobility change. I’m looking forward to developing new strategies and solutions which enable us to keep pace with, and ahead of, these changes.”
Douglas said he was planning to reacquaint himself with the commercial vehicle market with a visit to the CV Show at the NEC in Birmingham later this month.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is returning to its ‘home’ at the show to launch the all-new Crafter and showcase its Working With You proposition. He will formally take up his new role by June. His successor at Audi will be appointed and announced in due course.
Douglas has been with the Volkswagen Group for four years in the head of fleet role at Audi.
Prior to that Douglas was at Nissan for 13 years that included board-level roles as corporate sales director and LCV sales and marketing director.
