James Douglas (pictured) has been appointed head of sales operations for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. He will replace Andy Waite who left the brand last month to pursue interests outside the Volkswagen Group.

Douglas will join Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles from his previous role as head of fleet for Audi, a position he has held for the past four years. During that time he led the brand through a significant period of growth, in particular in the true fleet market. 

Douglas joined the Volkswagen Group following a 13-year career at Nissan GB that included board-level roles as corporate sales director and LCV sales and marketing director, and so he has a proven track record in light commercial vehicles.

As head of sales operations, Douglas will be responsible for Van Centre network, fleet and direct sales, as well as used vans, and special vehicles including conversions.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles director Carl zu Dohna said: “James joins the team at a crucial time in the history of the brand, with the imminent launch of the new Crafter marking the final phase of our range renewal process.

“I am confident that his wealth of experience in the light commercial industry will be an asset to the team, and I am looking forward to working with him.”

Douglas added: "I’m proud of the work I’ve done at Audi, but excited to be joining Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles at such an important time.

“The light commercial vehicle market is changing as businesses’ mobility needs change. I’m looking forward to developing new strategies and solutions which enable us to keep pace with, and ahead of, these changes.”

Douglas is planning to reacquaint himself with the commercial vehicle market with a visit to the CV Show at the NEC in Birmingham later this month. His successor at Audi will be appointed and announced in due course.