Benoit Tiers, Managing Director of Audi Volkswagen Middle East, announces the appointment of Enrico Atanasio as new Head of Audi Middle East

Christian Sömmer joins as new Sales Director

Jan-Hendrik Schmitt is appointed to the newly created role as Head of Strategy and Business Development for Audi Volkswagen Middle East

Dubai, October 1st 2015

Enrico Atanasio, 57 years old, has been appointed as Director of Audi Middle East based in Dubai. With over 30 years of global experience within the automotive industry, he joins the regional subsidiary following his role as the Marketing and Network Development Director of Audi Saudi Arabia. Enrico previously headed the Fiat Group in India and has extensive international working experience. In his new role, he will be responsible for the Audi brand, and will directly head the Audi business in the region for 11 Middle East countries.

On joining Audi Middle East, Enrico Atanasio commented: "I am hugely excited to join the Audi team in Dubai. I believe in the potential of Audi in the region and I have the firm objective to make Audi a major player here, in collaboration with our dealers."

Christian Sömmer, 34 years old, is appointed Sales Director for the region. Having worked in Audi Middle East for the past 6 years in both sales management and network development roles, Christian comes with strong experience. His most recent responsibility has been as Director of Network Development within AVME FZE. His career began with Daimler AG in international sales planning and in 2009, he joined Audi holding roles in both sales and dealer development.

Talking about his new appointment, Christian stated: "As Sales Director, I hope my knowledge of the region, and experience with our dealer partners and our customers will be key to our success in driving the Audi business forward for the future."   

As of 1st October, Jan-Hendrik Schmitt (36) will become the Head of Strategy and Business Development for AVME FZE and will report to Benoit Tiers. Following his experience as Audi Sales Director, Schmitt will now be in charge of strategic projects that will reinforce the business for both Volkswagen and Audi brands in the region. 

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In 2014, the Audi Group delivered approximately 1,741,100 cars of the Audi brand to its customers. The company achieved revenue of €53.8 billion and an operating profit of €5.15 billion in 2014. Audi operates globally in more than 100 markets and has production facilities in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm (Germany), Győr (Hungary), Brussels (Belgium), Bratislava (Slovakia), Martorell (Spain), Kaluga (Russia), Aurangabad (India), Changchun and Foshan (China) as well as Jakarta (Indonesia). The brand with the Four Rings will start producing cars in Curitiba (Brazil) this year and in San José Chiapa (Mexico) in 2016. Wholly owned subsidiaries of AUDI AG include quattro GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy) and sports motorcycle manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy). The company currently employs approximately 80,000 people worldwide, thereof around 58,000 in Germany. Total investment of about €24 billion is planned from 2015 to 2019 - primarily in new products and sustainable technologies. Audi is committed to its corporate responsibility and has anchored the principle of sustainability for its products and processes in its strategy. The long term goal is CO2 neutral mobility.

AUDI AG's commitment to the region was confirmed through the foundation of its fully owned subsidiary in 2005. The current Middle East model range comprises the Audi A1, A3 and S3 Sedan, A4 and RS 4 Avant, the A5 Coupe, Sportback, Cabriolet and RS 5, the A6, S6 & RS 6 Avant, A7, S7 & RS 7, A8 L & S8, the Audi Q3, Q5 and Q7, the Audi TT Coupe/Roadster and TT RS Coupe, the Audi R8 Coupe and R8 Spyder as well as R8 V10 plus.

© Press Release 2015