Alex Smith made Volkswagen Group's managing director

Alex Smith is to return to Volkswagen Group UK Ltd as Managing Director in the New Year, replacing Paul Willis who is leaving the company.

Smith re-joins the Group from Nissan, where he has been Managing Director since 2016.

With initial motor industry experience at Ford and Kia, Smith started at Volkswagen Group UK in 2007, heading successively the functions of Group Parts Operations, Retail Operations for Volkswagen Passenger Cars, before becoming Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK in November 2011. On 1 July 2014 he was appointed as Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars UK, reporting to Paul Willis.

Willis will stay on into the first quarter of 2019 to ensure a smooth transition to his successor. Both have played important roles in the transition of Volkswagen Group UK to become the leader in UK new car sales, with a combined market share YTD of over 20%.

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.”