Audi appoints Vito Paladino to lead Audi of America

Audi of America announced the appointment of Vito Paladino (pictured) to President, Audi of America, and Head of Audi North America Region.

Paladino, 49, current President and CEO of Volkswagen Group Canada and President, Audi Canada, will succeed current Audi of America president, Daniel Weissland. Weissland will be appointed President of the FAW Audi Sales Company China, as Audi taps North American expertise for leadership roles in key markets globally.

A Canadian National, Paladino began his career with Audi Canada in 2013 in Sales Operations spending the next decade leading the brand’s Sales and After Sales operations until becoming Audi Canada president in 2020. Since leading Audi Canada for more than five years, Paladino has driven the brand to a series of record-breaking results, establishing it among the top premium brands in the market, during which time he led the team to become the #1 premium brand in sales volume in 2022 for the first time in Canadian history, as well as achieving the best year ever in after sales. In 2024, he assumed additional responsibilities as President and CEO of Volkswagen Group Canada, successfully steering the organization to consecutive record years.

Paladino, a 27-year automotive leader with deep expertise, has also served in previous senior leadership positions across Sales, After Sales, Product and Marketing.

“We are decisively strengthening the Audi brand and our sales organization in our core regions. With our model initiative and these high-performing leaders, Audi is well positioned to enhance its competitiveness in both North America and China,” says Marco Schubert, Audi Board Member for Sales & Marketing.

“Daniel has demonstrated exceptional commitment and strong leadership during a period marked by significant challenges. Under his guidance, the brand has executed the largest model launch initiative in Audi’s U.S. history,” adds Schubert.

“Daniel will apply his deep sales expertise and customer focus to advance Audi’s business in China.” Marco adds: “Vito played a key role in establishing Audi as a leading premium brand in Canada.”

“I’m honored to lead Audi of America at such an important time for the brand. Having spent much of my career within the Audi family, I know the passion, innovation, and dedication that drive our teams and our customers,” said Vito Paladino.

“As Audi continues the largest product launch cadence in our history, I look forward to working closely with U.S. dealers to bring even more performance and excitement to Audi customers across the country. Together, we will build on Audi’s momentum and continue shaping the future of premium mobility in America.”

Audi Canada will subsequently be led by Khaled Soussi, currently responsible for the Commercial Strategy and Customer Experience in SEAT SA. Edgar Estrada, President of the Volkswagen brand in Canada, will additionally take over the role of President & CEO of Volkswagen Group Canada.