New additions will nearly double staff size
TORONTO, Jan. 7 /CNW/ – Since the establishment of a multi-discipline
Canadian headquarters in 2005, Audi Canada has experienced significant growth
with two consecutive record sales years. To better serve the needs and
requirements of the Canadian market, Audi Canada today announced the
appointment of a new Director of Sales and a new Director of Marketing and
Product Management.
Effectively immediately, Douglas Clark has been named as the company’s
new Director of Sales. In this position, Mr. Clark is responsible for all
Canadian vehicle sales efforts, volume planning, incentive programs and dealer
relationship management initiatives. He reports directly to Diego Ramos –
Executive Vice President, Audi Canada.
Prior to his new appointment, Mr. Clark was Director of Communications,
Marketing and Public Relations at the Audi headquarters in Ajax, Ontario. He
has an extensive background in marketing and public relations.
“Doug brings with him a breadth of experience and a laser-like focus on
the market place. He knows our dealers and his skills will assist our team in
the successful launch of new models and in maintaining our sales momentum,”
said Mr. Ramos.
Mr. Clark joined Audi of America in Auburn Hills, Michigan in 1996 and
has been working at Audi Canada as Director of Communications and Marketing
since 2005. He holds an A.B. Degree in Political Science from Princeton
University.
Mr. Clark replaces the highly-respected John Walker who has elected to
return to Australia.
Audi Canada also announced the appointment of Karsten Ruwoldt as the
firm’s new Director of Marketing and Product Management replacing Mr. Clark.
Mr. Ruwoldt joined Audi of America in 2003. After a succession of
increasingly responsible positions in the area of marketing, planning and
product management, Mr. Ruwoldt joined Audi Canada in May of 2006 as Manager
of Product Planning, Pricing and Dealer Development. He holds an Economics
Degree from the Freie Universitat in Berlin, Germany. In addition to his
duties as Director of Marketing, Mr. Ruwoldt will be responsible for all Audi
Canada product and pricing initiatives.
“Karsten has a proven track record of unwavering dedication to quality
and performance and, as such, brings deep operational experience and extensive
knowledge to his new position. His background in product planning will prove a
valuable attribute as Audi continues its growth in Canada,” said Ramos.
“These recent changes reflect Audi Canada’s belief in promoting from
within,” stated Mr. Ramos. “With plans to hire a significant number of new
staff, nearly doubling the current team, we see ourselves as well positioned
for continued growth in this important market.”
Audi Canada recently launched four all-new models such as the AJAC
award-winning, mid-engined Audi R8 sports car, the iconic Audi TT Coupe and
Roadster and the all new, award-winning Audi S5 sports coupe. The success of
these and other vehicles has led to sales growth for Audi, with even more new
models hitting showrooms in the coming months.
About Audi Canada
Audi’s history in Canada dates to 1971, when the brand was first
introduced to the Canadian market. Today, a network of over 37 Audi retailers
nationwide sell and service a range of premium vehicles that include the Audi
A3 sportback; the sporty A4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high
performance S4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the pulse-quickening RS 4
sports sedan; the design-leading A6 sedan and Avant; the Audi Q7 performance
SUV; the all-aluminum Audi A8; the V10-powered S6 and sovereign S8 performance
sedans; the all-new 2008 TT Coupe and Roadster models and the incredible new
R8 mid-engined sports car.
Audi Canada is headquartered in Ajax, Ontario and markets a line of
luxury cars built in plants in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm, Germany, Bratislava,
Slovakia and Gyor, Hungary. The parent company, AUDI AG, is headquartered in
Ingolstadt, Germany.
