Volkswagen Group Canada has named Montreal native John White as president and managing director, making him the first Canadian-born head of the German automaker’s operations in this country since their formation in 1952.
The combination of Volkswagen Canada and Audi Canada into the newly named organization took effect Jan. 1.
Detlef Wittig of Volkswagen AG, head of worldwide group sales and marketing, announced White’s appointment at Canadian corporate headquarters in Ajax, Ont. in front of employees and dignitaries.
White has been in the automotive industry for 30 years and joined Volkswagen in 1993.
Since January 2005, he has been executive vice-president at Volkswagen Canada Inc., a position he will continue to hold in addition to his new responsibilities.
“I am excited to take on this opportunity to lead an organization that is well positioned to capitalize on its strong brand presence that will enable us to achieve sustained growth in the Canadian marketplace,” White said in a release.
