VW Group brand SEAT has appointed Marc Riera as its new executive VP for purchasing, effective from July 1.
Riera has more than twenty years of international experience within the Volkswagen Group in Purchasing and R&D.
In his new position, Riera will oversee and manage the company’s purchasing strategies, supply ecosystem and ‘continuous enhancement of the procurement process’. He will report directly to SEAT CEO Wayne Griffiths. Riera is replacing Alfonso Sancha, who takes over new responsibilities at Volkswagen Group China.
SEAT said Riera brings comprehensive knowledge and expertise to his new position and will now lead an area that plays a key role in the SEAT’s electric transformation.
“Marc Riera’s extensive experience in purchasing and in-depth knowledge of the company makes him the ideal person to take on this key role,” said SEAT S.A. CEO Wayne Griffiths. “With Marc’s knowledge and strategic vision, we will continue to drive innovation and operational excellence in all areas of purchasing. His background in electrification will help us drive change towards e-mobility.”
On July 1, Alfonso Sancha is transferring to Volkswagen Group China as Executive Vice-President for Purchasing. “I would like to extend my gratitude to Alfonso Sancha for his outstanding dedication during the last four years. Alfonso has played an important role in the Future: Fast Forward project. Thanks to his efforts, the foundations have been laid at the Volkswagen Group’s gigafactory in Valencia and the factories in Martorell and Pamplona will be ready to produce electric vehicles from 2025,” said Wayne Griffiths.
Marc Riera graduated with a degree in Telecommunications Engineering from the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC). He has had relevant international positions within the Volkswagen Group, including Commodity Manager Metal and Commodity Manager Powertrain at Volkswagen Mexico. At SEAT S.A. he worked in various roles in Purchasing and Logistics and most recently he was at the helm of the company’s New Projects and Purchasing Strategy.
