VW Group Makes Changes to Management Team

The North American division of Volkswagen recently announced it has appointed two new vice presidents for the group and brand communications as well as for government relations. Anna-Maria Schneider has been named vice president of industry and government relations and Jill Bratina has accepted the position of vice president, Volkswagen Group corporate communications and Volkswagen brand communications.

Bratina will be responsible for strategically integrating Group and brand communications, working to leverage Volkswagen's investments in the US market and to increase brand recognition. She has served as director of corporate communications and has a background in public affairs, corporate and crisis communications.

She previously served as director of corporate communications for former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and prior to that as director of public affairs for Bridgestone/Firestone during the company's tire recall.

"2010 begins a critical new decade for Volkswagen in the U.S. and Jill's new position underscores our desire to aggressively communicate our growth strategy and the company mission, management vision and corporate values," said Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America.

On the other hand, Schneider also brings more than 20 years experience in automotive government relations, as she formerly occupied a similar position within Toyota Motor North America and Mitsubishi Motors and as a director for intergovernmental affairs at Global USA.

"With just more than a year with the Volkswagen Group, Anna Schneider has grown relationships with elected officials and effectively communicated the Group's sustainable mobility strategy with key constituencies on Capitol Hill and within the Administration," Jacoby said.