Volkswagen UK has appointed Nick O’Neill as its new head of fleet, replacing Michael O’Shea who moved roles in late 2019.

O’Neill will start his new position in February, reporting to head of sales operations Patrick McGillycuddy.

He joins the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand having started at Volkswagen Financial Services in 2002. There he undertook various roles before transferring to Volkswagen Group UK in 2013.

After two years in Group Parts Operations, O’Neill moved to Skoda where he has spent the last four years working across both the used cars and sales operations teams.

During his time with Skoda, O’Neill is credited for making a “significant contribution” to both the business and its retailer network, “navigating significant market challenges to modernise sales processes and improve customer satisfaction”.

As head of fleet, O’Neill will be responsible for leadership of the fleet team and fleet function within the brand; developing and implementing strategies to deliver success for the fleet and business areas; fulfilling the network’s fleet capability by making the most of the fleet sales opportunities in the market; and working with the fleet field force team to achieve these goals.

O’Neill said: “The fleet sector is vital for any major automotive brand in the UK, and for me, the prospect of providing Volkswagen’s renowned products and services to our fleet customers is hugely exciting. I look forward to working with the factory, the board of management, the network and, of course, our customers.

“In addition, I am really looking forward to working with the dynamic and dedicated Volkswagen team. It looks I have picked the most transformative and vibrant time to join the brand too, with all the amazing products and services due to be launched over the coming years as Volkswagen leads the way in becoming the most sustainable mobility provider.”

He joins the brand in a pivotal year, as it embarks on its electrification strategy with the launch of the ID electric vehicle sub-brand. Its first model, the ID3, goes on sale this year. 

Andrew Savvas, managing director at Volkswagen UK, added: “With his Volkswagen Group experience stretching back to 2013, Nick is the ideal candidate for the head of fleet role, being multi-skilled and possessing a diversity of experience that stands him in good stead to excel alongside our fleet team.

“The Volkswagen UK team is proud, determined, caring and responsible. Nick will fit in very well with the other passionate individuals who make up the brand’s workforce, who join me in welcoming Nick to the family.”