Simon Thomas to become MD of Volkswagen Group UK

Simon Thomas (51) has been appointed managing director of Volkswagen Group UK effective from September 1, 2011. He succeeds Robin Woolcock (63), who will be taking up a new assignment within the Volkswagen Group.

Thomas started his career with Austin Rover Group in 1984, working in a variety of roles in sales, service and the fleet business. In 1991 he joined Nissan, where he held various posts in sales and marketing before becoming marketing director for Nissan UK in 2000.

He then moved to more senior roles in sales and marketing in Canada and Europe before being appointed senior vice president, sales and marketing Europe, with Nissan in 2009.

Woolcock has been with Volkswagen Group UK for 23 years, initially as managing director of MAN-Volkswagen UK. He then became brand head of Škoda and Volkswagen Passenger Cars in the UK.

He was appointed managing director of Volkswagen Group UK in 2000. Volkswagen Group UK thanked Woolcock for his leadership of the company over many years and paid tribute to his close links with the workforce. In addition to the sustained positioning of the individual Group brands, Woolcock also further reinforced the market leadership of Volkswagen Group UK.