Volkswagen of America announced new leadership changes aimed at bolstering sales, marketing and brand strategy in the U.S. and North American markets, according to a Sept. 26 release.
The company appointed Brian Nash to serve as EVP of sales and marketing, as well as its North American region chief sales and marketing officer, effective Sept. 29.
Nash will be responsible for U.S. and North American sales, marketing, dealer relations and after-sales strategy, and is tasked with driving momentum behind Volkswagen’s renewed vehicle lineup and strengthening dealer network performance.
Volkswagen either introduced or significantly refreshed its non-SUV vehicles in 2025. Meanwhile, VW’s subsidiary Scout Motors is facing a lawsuit from dealers after it announced plans to sell electric vehicles directly to consumers.
“[Nash’s] expertise in dealer collaboration and strategies that prioritize customer satisfaction will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen the Volkswagen business,” Kjell Gruner, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, said in a statement.
Previously, Nash spent 12 years at Mazda North American Operations, where he helped grow brand sales and introduce digital-first retail strategies. He most recently served as VP of emerging business and innovation. Nash began his automotive career in retail, managing dealerships in Florida, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Alongside Nash’s appointment, VW of America has also made changes to its brand marketing leadership structure, adjusting the role of Rachael Zaluzec, SVP of brand marketing and customer experience for the VW brand in the North American region. Zaluzec and her team will now report directly to the company’s president and CEO, Gruner, elevating the importance of brand strategy. The company also said that Zaluzec and her team will work closely with Nash’s sales and marketing team.
In January, Volkswagen Group’s chief financial officer Arno Antlitz said the company planned to double its U.S. market share by 2030.
