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AUTOMOTIVE MARKETING

Volkswagen appoints new sales and marketing director for SA market

By our News Team | 2022

New appointee has extensive international experience in US and various European automotive markets.

Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has appointed Thomas Milz as its new sales and marketing director at the helm of its National Sales Organisation (NSO).

Milz joined VWSA’s Board of Management effective from 1 December 2021. He has occupied various positions across the Volkswagen Group since 1997. His career spans roles in Germany, the USA, Middle East and Russia.

Prior to joining VWSA, he held the title of Director: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Countries.

Milz’s appointment follows the retirement of Mike Glendinning, who served as Sales and Marketing Director between 2018 and 2021, and spent a total of 37 years in service of the Volkswagen Group, having joined VWSA as a Graduate Trainee in 1985.

Automotive Marketing

The new Volkswagen ID.Buzz concept at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, courtesy of Matti Blume via Wikimedia Commons

“We welcome Thomas’s appointment to our board of management,” said VWSA Chairman and Managing Director, Robert Cisek. “His wealth of experience across the Volkswagen Group will no doubt be invaluable to VWSA, and we look forward to seeing the impact of his contributions.”

Auto brands look to increase electric vehicle penetration

The appointment comes at a time when automotive brands across Africa must work to increase the market penetration of electric vehicles. 

Penetration on the continent is low, partly due to vehicle cost and the lack of suitable infrastructure. However, international demand and regulatory pressure in key overseas countries is forcing the auto industry to offer consumers more and more models that do not rely on the internal-combustion engine.

Last year, VW worldwide delivered more than 369,000 electric vehicles. This is still a small percentage of its total passenger vehicle sales, which numbered 4.9-million. However, electric vehicle manufacturing in 2021 was hampered by a worldwide shortage of semiconductors, which are an essential component. 

In March this year, VW is scheduled to launch the production version of its new ID.Buzz, an electric vehicle first showcased as a concept model at the Paris Motor Show way back in 2016. The company now offers an electric-powered option in almost every market segment in which it competes.

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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.