Damien O’Sullivan appointed VW Group's UK chief, succeeding Alex Smith

Volkswagen Group UK has named Damien O’Sullivan as its new managing director from December.

O’Sullivan steps into the role following Alex Smith’s departure, who leaves the company at his own request after nearly 15 years of service.

O’Sullivan joins Volkswagen Group UK from Volkswagen Group Ireland, where he has served as Audi brand director since 2021.

His extensive experience within Volkswagen Group spans a series of international roles, including vice president of dealer development at the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture in Changchun, China, and Audi aftersales director at the national sales company in Taiwan.

His early career began as a credit analyst at AIB Capital Markets in Dublin, before joining Volkswagen Group Ireland in 2009 as a finance controller and later moving into sales and aftersales roles.

Stefan Specht, chairman of the Volkswagen Group UK Supervisory Board, expressed confidence in O’Sullivan’s appointment:

“I’m delighted that Damien has agreed to take on this new role as managing director of Volkswagen Group UK, and am confident he is well-positioned to lead the UK’s biggest automotive group through the significant changes we know are ahead.”

He also acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing managing director: “I’d like to thank Alex for his dedication and massive contribution over the past six years, and I wish him all the best for the future.”

Reflecting on his time with the company, Alex Smith said, “I’m very proud of everything the team and the networks have achieved in a period which has included Brexit, a pandemic, a supply crisis, and the introduction of mass-market electromobility.”

He noted the company’s recent achievements, with Volkswagen holding the position of the UK’s leading passenger car brand, Audi as the second most popular, and Škoda and Seat/Cupra achieving record market shares this year.

He added: “With Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in the number two position in the van market, it feels like the right time to hand over to Damien to continue building on Volkswagen Group’s market-leading performance in the UK.”