Volkswagen Appoints Martin Sander as Sales, Marketing, and After Sales Board Member

(IN BRIEF) Volkswagen Passenger Cars is gearing up for a change in its leadership as Martin Sander prepares to take the helm as the new Board Member for Sales, Marketing, and After Sales starting July 1, 2024. Succeeding Imelda Labbé, who has steered the department for the past two years, Sander brings a wealth of experience from his previous role at the Ford Motor Company. Reporting directly to Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer, Sander is expected to inject fresh momentum into the brand’s sales organization, leveraging his extensive background in the automotive industry and international markets. Reflecting on Labbé’s tenure, Schäfer praised her contributions in enhancing market share and revitalizing Volkswagen’s brand image through strategic initiatives like the Energize project. Labbé, with over 35 years of industry experience, leaves behind a legacy of impactful leadership, having held various management positions at Opel, General Motors, and Volkswagen Group. Sander, a seasoned engineer with a 25-year career trajectory, has previously served in key roles at Audi AG and Ford, emphasizing his aptitude for driving innovation and growth within the automotive sector.

(PRESS RELEASE) WOLFSBURG, 6-Jun-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — In an announcement made today by Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Martin Sander is set to assume the role of Board Member for Sales, Marketing, and After Sales, effective July 1, 2024. Succeeding Imelda Labbé, who has led the department for the past two years, Sander brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at the Ford Motor Company to Wolfsburg, where he will report directly to Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer.

Expressing confidence in the appointment, Thomas Schäfer stated, “With Martin Sander, we are welcoming a seasoned sales expert and a proven leader to our team. Martin’s extensive experience in the automotive industry, particularly within the Volkswagen Group, positions him well to inject new momentum into our sales organization, ensuring sustainable growth for the Volkswagen brand in the future. His strategic insights and international market knowledge will be instrumental, especially in shaping our marketing and after-sales strategies.”

Prior to joining Volkswagen, Martin Sander served as the Chairman of the Board of Management at Ford-Werke GmbH, and as General Manager for Ford Model e at Ford of Europe. During his tenure, he spearheaded the development of electric vehicles and played a pivotal role in enhancing Ford’s connected vehicle offerings across Europe.

With a distinguished 25-year career in the automotive sector, Sander has held various leadership roles at Audi AG in both North America and Europe, including Senior Vice President of Sales for key regions such as Europe, Germany, the Americas, and the UK.

Meanwhile, outgoing Board Member Imelda Labbé, who has over 35 years of experience in the international automotive industry, leaves behind a commendable legacy. Labbé’s contributions to Volkswagen, particularly through initiatives like the Energize project, have been pivotal in revitalizing the brand’s market presence and reputation.

Reflecting on Labbé’s tenure, Thomas Schäfer commented, “Imelda Labbé’s outstanding sales expertise and strategic vision have significantly bolstered Volkswagen’s market share and brand image since 2022. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving the repositioning of the Volkswagen brand for the future, and I extend my sincere appreciation for her dedication and achievements. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”

Imelda Labbé’s illustrious career spans leadership roles at Opel and General Motors (GM), before joining the Volkswagen Group in 2013. Over the years, she has held key positions such as Opel Head of Quality and Opel Head of Sales, before assuming leadership roles within the Volkswagen Group, including Global Head of After Sales and Business Development at Volkswagen AG.

Labbé holds a degree in business administration and a Master of Science in Management from Stanford University, underlining her expertise and leadership in the automotive sector.

Media Contacts:

Maleen Bösenberg
Corporate Communications
Spokesperson People & HR
Tel. +49 (0) 152 29122870
maleen.boesenberg@volkswagen.de

Nina Krake-Thiemann
Spokesperson Sales, Marketing and After Sales
Tel. +49 (0) 152 06262625
nina.krake-thiemann@volkswagen.de

SOURCE: Volkswagen Group