Skoda Auto Volkswagen India announces leadership changes

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India has appointed Jan Bures as the new Board Member and Executive Director of Sales, Marketing, and Digital.

Bures will oversee the operations of the Group brands Skoda, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini in the Indian market.

Effective 1 February 2024, Jan Bures succeeds Christian Cahn von Seelen, who is concluding his tenure in India. Christian has been a Board Member of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India since 2019 and has contributed significantly to the rise in popularity of the Made-in-India models under the Skoda and VW brands. He has also been instrumental in growing the market presence of the Group’s luxury brands Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini in India.  

With a career spanning over 30 years within the Volkswagen Group, Jan Bures brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. He has held several key positions in America, Germany, the Middle East, and China. His new role in India involves leading the Sales, Marketing, and Aftersales Business for Skoda Auto Volkswagen India’s brands.

Piyush Arora, CEO and Managing Director of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India said, "This is a demanding role, but his three decades of experience within the Volkswagen Group, coupled with his leadership expertise, will make him an invaluable addition to Skoda Auto Volkswagen India." 

"I would also like to thank Christian for his vision and leadership that helped carve out a robust growth path for the Group brands in India," Arora added. 

Christian Cahn von Seelen, the outgoing ED for Sales, Marketing and Digital of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India added, “This is a bittersweet transition for me. It is a rare privilege to witness the entire journey of a car family from cradle to market success, as I have with the INDIA 2.0 Project, and I am very grateful for that. I am very happy to pass the baton to Jan Bures, a great leader who will guide our team to new heights." 

As the company advances towards its goal of being the leading European automotive brand in India, Jan Bures will play a key part in realising Skoda Auto Volkswagen India’s ‘Powering Ahead’ vision.

In 2023, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India strengthened its position in the Indian automotive sector, matching the record-breaking sales figures of 2022; the Group’s domestic sales have surpassed the 100,000-unit milestone for two consecutive years.