Audi Names New U.S. Boss
By Greg Migliore
Marketing veteran Scott Keogh is taking the helm of Audi of America.
Keogh has been Audi's chief marketing officer for six years. He replaces longtime Audi president Johan de Nysschen, who left earlier this month to take a top position at Japanese luxury brand Infiniti.
The appointment, announced on Wednesday evening, is effective immediately. Keogh, 43, has overseen Audi's ambitious and at times audacious marketing blitzes, including Super Bowl commercials, the Le Mans Truth in 24 documentaries, placements in highly publicized movies and forays into social media.
Keogh also is a performance proponent and backed the reintroduction of the RS line in the United States, and he is a strong supporter of diesel technology.
“We see exceptional growth opportunity in the U.S. market as we continue moving toward our goal of positioning Audi as the leading luxury automotive brand in the world by 2020,” Rupert Stadler, Audi AG chairman, said in a statement. “Gains in the U.S. are truly a strategic pillar for the brand, and we are confident that the leadership provided by Scott Keogh will continue the momentum at Audi of America.”
De Nysschen left to take a position as senior vice president of Nissan Motor Co., with responsibility for the Infiniti division. He stewarded Audi through a period of dramatic growth in the U.S. market and the relocation of its headquarters from suburban Detroit to Virginia.
Audi of America chief operating officer Mark Del Rosso, 48, had been performing de Nysschen's former duties until a replacement was named.
Get more Car News from Autoweek.
Get the latest Car Reviews from Autoweek.
EXPLORE NEW CARS
MORE ON MSN AUTOS
ABOUT EXHAUST NOTES
Cars are cool, and here at MSN Autos we love everything about them, but we also know they're more than simply speed and style: a car is an essential tool, a much-needed accessory to help you get through your day-to-day life. What you drive is also one of the most important investments you can make, so we'll help you navigate your way through the car buying and ownership experiences. We strive to be your daily destination for news, notes, tips and tricks from across the automotive world. So whether it's through original content from our world-class journalists or the latest buzz from the far corners of the Web, Exhaust Notes helps you make sense of your automotive world.
Have a story idea? Tip us off at exhaustnotes@live.com.
