Audi adds new government affairs roles in U.S. as technology and regulation converge

• Brad Stertz will be Director, Audi Government Affairs in Washington, D.C.; Tom Baloga will be Senior Director, Audi Government Affairs in Sacramento, California
• A key focus for both functions will be contributions to regulating advanced automotive technologies, as well as safety, emissions, and trade
• The functions reflect the extension of Audi AG government affairs offices worldwide to match the growth of the brand in key markets

 

Audi will expand its global government affairs team with two new functions in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, California.

In the nation’s capital, Brad Stertz will serve as Director, Audi Government Affairs. Tom Baloga will join Audi as Senior Director, Audi Government Affairs and Head of a new Sacramento Office.

Both Stertz and Baloga will represent Audi interests on a range of rapidly evolving topics, including automated vehicle deployment, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, connected vehicle technologies, safety, cybersecurity, emissions regulations and trade.

They will be closely aligned with the AUDI AG global government affairs headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany, with the Audi global government affairs network, which is expanding as the brand has grown worldwide, and with the Volkswagen Group of America government relations team.

“Technology is transforming the car business and nowhere is that happening more rapidly than in America,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “We intend to stand at the forefront of this revolution. These two new representatives will put Audi in the middle of decisions shaping the future.”

Both functions fit within the strategy expressed at the AUDI Annual Press Conference to pursue opportunities in four areas: electrification and sustainability, digitalization, internationalization and shifting perceptions about premium mobility.

The new U.S. and California government affairs positions take effect during January/February 2016 and report directly to the President, Audi of America.

Since joining Audi in 2008, Stertz has led corporate communications activities with a focus over the past five years on building awareness about Audi advanced technologies with government officials, the media and consumers. Prior to that Stertz spent 25 years as a journalist and newsroom executive with some of America’s leading news outlets, including a stint as Washington Bureau Chief with The Detroit News. He is co-author of the critically acclaimed book “Taken for a Ride.”

Baloga has more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry and is listed as the primary inventor on 13 U.S. patents.  Formerly a Senior Test Engineer for Mack Trucks, Baloga also served as Manager of Safety Engineering for Mercedes-Benz, President of Britax Child Safety, Principal and Founder of INIT LLC, and retired as Vice President of Engineering, Quality, and Safety for BMW of North America.