MARKETING TALENT

Audi South Africa appoints new Head of Marketing, Product and PR

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

Ricci Birchfield has more than 18 years’ experience in the auto industry, specialising in marketing, digital strategy and business transformation.

Audi South Africa has announced the appointment of Ricci Birchfield as its new Head of Marketing, Product and Public Relations, effective from 1 February 2025. He succeeds Tarryn Knight, who has joined Ford Motor Company South Africa as Head of Marketing.

Ricci Birchfield. Photo: Audi

Birchfield brings with him more than 18 years’ experience in the automotive industry, specialising in marketing, digital strategy and business transformation. 

 

In a press release, Audi SA says Birchfield’s career has been defined by a deep understanding of the automotive industry’s rapidly changing landscape.  

 

He has held key roles in both the global and local automotive sectors, serving as Head of Digital Business Market Relations at Audi AG, where he led the communication and collaboration of global digital initiatives for Audi’s digital business in Ingolstadt, Germany. 

 

Prior to that, Birchfield contributed to Audi South Africa’s brand management and digital transformation, playing an integral role in shaping the company’s marketing strategy. 

 

In his most recent role at Volkswagen Group Africa, he served as Head of Technology and Business Strategy, where he was instrumental in accelerating digital transformation across the National Sales Organisation (NSO). 

 

“We’re thrilled to have Ricci join us in this new role,” says the Head of Audi South Africa, Sascha Sauer.  

 

“Ricci’s wealth of experience, particularly in digital strategy and transformation, will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and evolve in the fast-paced automotive industry. His leadership will play a crucial role in driving our brand’s success and expanding our presence in the South African market.” 

 

Birchfield’s vision for Audi South Africa includes enhancing the customer journey through cutting-edge initiatives and strengthening the brand’s position in the market as a leader in design, performance and digitalisation.

View all articles »
author avatar
Rozanne
See Full Bio

PUBLICATIONS

Strategic Marketing for Africa Magazine

CONTACT INFORMATION

info@africanmarketingconfederation.org

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop
    Continue Shopping

    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.