EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS

Experienced marketing executive heads VW Commercial Vehicles Africa

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2026

Ryan Blumrick brings almost two decades of sales and marketing expertise gained in Africa and Asia to his new position.

Volkswagen Group Africa has announced the appointment of experienced marketer Ryan Blumrick as the new Head of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

His new role became effective from 1 February 2026. He replaces Princess Ndlhovu, who had held the position since 2024.

Ryan Blumrick

Ryan Blumrick. Photo: LinkedIn

Blumrick has nearly 20 years’ experience in the Volkswagen Group gained in South Africa, China and Japan. He joined Volkswagen South Africa in 2006 and went on to hold multiple leadership positions within Audi South Africa in the sales and marketing arenas.

These include being National Sales Operations Manager, National Pre-owned Sales Manager, Regional Sales Manager and Brand Communications Manager.

He later served as Head of Regional Sales and Marketing Strategy at SAIC Volkswagen in Shanghai, China before moving to Japan. There, he most recently held the position of Marketing Director for Audi Japan.

Bring global best practices to the African market

In his new role, Blumrick aims to strengthen the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand, elevate customer‑centricity, and bring global best practices into the African market.

His vision includes providing African countries with market-specific product solutions and leveraging international insights to unlock new growth opportunities.

“We are confident that Ryan’s extensive global experience and proven leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in the African markets where it has presence,” says Niels Wichmann, acting Director of Sales and Marketing, Volkswagen Group Africa.

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Jason Lottering
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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.
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    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.

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