Volkswagen has announced the departure of its US division’s CEO, Michael Horn. Horn was expected by some observers to emerge as a management casualty at VW as the dieselgate crisis unfolded in the US last year. However, he appeared to weather the initial storm and stayed in position.
Earlier this year, the company announced a new head of Group operations in North America – Hinrich J. Woebcken – as part of its extensive management reorganisation plans. On an interim basis, Woebcken will assume Horn’s responsibilities as the role of president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.
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In a statement the company said that Horn will be leaving to pursue other opportunities effective immediately. On an interim basis, Hinrich J. Woebcken, who was recently announced as the new Head of the North American Region and Chairman of Volkswagen Group of America, will assume the role of president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.
Volkswagen said in the statement that it would like to thank Horn for his contributions to the company during his tenure in the US. “I want personally to say ‘thank you’ to Michael Horn for the great work he has done for the brand and with the dealers in the United States,” said Herbert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen brand. “During his time in the US, Michael Horn built up a strong relationship with our national dealer body and showed exemplary leadership during difficult times for the brand,” he added.
Michael Horn (54) assumed the role as president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America in January 2014 and has over twenty five years of experience with the Volkswagen Group. Prior to his current role, Horn served as the Global Head of After Sales at Volkswagen AG (VW). Horn joined Volkswagen in 1990 and has held many roles of increasing responsibility within the brand over his tenure, including Head of Volkswagen sales North West Europe, Head of sales and marketing luxury class vehicles, and Head of sales for Europe.
