Audi Names New Public Relations Executive to Expand Communications in the United States

Source: Audi of America

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Audi of America announced today the appointment of Jeff Kuhlman to a newly created position, chief communications officer, designed to lead and expand Audi’s public relations efforts. The new position, which reports to Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, is the latest addition to the Audi management team and follows the last week’s announcement of another new position, chief marketing officer, to be filled by Scott Keogh.

Prior to joining Audi, Kuhlman, 43, worked at General Motors for more than 20 years. In April 2005, Kuhlman was named communications staff director for GM North American Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. In this role, Kuhlman was responsible for all GM product and brands, sales reporting and regional office communications in the U.S. Previously, Kuhlman was director, Cadillac Communications and director, Luxury Brands Communications (Cadillac, Hummer, and Saab). Kuhlman began his GM career in 1984 in communications for the GM Powertrain Group in the Toledo, Ohio, plant.

Kuhlman has a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Toledo and an MBA from Michigan State University. Kuhlman is a native of Toledo, Ohio, and is married with two children.

Several communications positions were recently added to the growing department, in an effort to establish more media attention for the brand. A west coast PR manager based in Los Angeles, Celeste Atkinson, joined Audi in April to focus on national lifestyle outreach and entertainment industry communications. Andrew Lipman will join Audi in mid-June as east coast public relations manager and will lead business communications for the department from New York. Additional members in the department include: Patrick Hespen (November), media relations and motorsports specialist; Sarah Toycen (February), Audi’s press fleet specialist; and Sarah Hayden, press events and auto show specialist (April). Departmental operations and strategy is lead by Jennifer Cortez who remains in her role as director of communications.