source: Audi of America
- Rusch to lead Audi of America sales operations and dealer network
- Rusch, who began Audi career in 2002, has nearly 20 years with brand
- Rusch brings blend of marketing, retail and network development experience
Audi of America has appointed Thiemo Rusch as SVP, sales operations effective July 1, 2020. He will be responsible for retail operations and dealer network development in the U.S., including leadership of the regional offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta and Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. Rusch will report to Daniel Weissland, president, Audi of America.
Rusch, 41, has strong existing experience and relationships with the brand’s dealer network of 302 partners. Beginning his career with the Audi brand in 2002, Rusch brings nearly two decades of experience with various positions in Marketing and Operations.
“With a proven track record of sales success in a competitive and challenging environment, Thiemo will be an excellent fit for this role,’’ said Daniel Weissland, president, Audi of America. “He knows our business and the Audi brand very well and has a strong mix of operational and people skills, innovative and strategic thinking and respect for the dealer organization.”
Most recently Rusch contributed to the brand’s success as VP of Sales & Operations for Audi of America, growing sales through industry supply chain challenges and an increasingly competitive premium market.
“It’s an honor to continue my career at Audi with such an exceptional group of employees and dealer partners,’’ Rusch said. “We stand shoulder to shoulder during these unprecedented times and I look forward to the day when we can rally our shared passion for the Audi brand at full strength under better circumstances.”
A native of Germany, Rusch earned his Bachelor of Science from the Berufsakademie of Mannheim, Germany . Thiemo was named Automotive News Rising Star in 2016. Rusch and his family are based in Northern Virginia.
Rusch succeeds Cian O’Brien, 42, who served as Chief Operating Officer for Audi of America since 2017. O’Brien was appointed Brand Director for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Volkswagen Group United Kingdom, effective July 1, 2020.
