James Douglas has been appointed as head of sales operations at Volkswagen UK, drawing on his 20-year automotive career.

James Douglas, head of sales operations at Volkswagen UK

Douglas joined the Volkswagen Group in 2012 as head of fleet in Audi before taking on the role as head of sales operations for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in 2017, where he is credited with having led the brand through a transformative period.

His background also includes 13 years at Nissan GB where he held board-level roles as corporate sales director and LCV sales and marketing director.

Douglas commented: “I couldn’t be more excited to join Volkswagen Passenger Cars right now – the brand is at a crucial stage in its history, firmly on its way to transitioning towards an electric future thanks to the ID.3 and ID.4. Our retailers have played a key part in this, helping to propel the brand to the top of the sales charts in March 2021, with consistently high performance, and fantastic customer focus. I can’t wait to work with them all and continue this success as even more exciting models arrive and continue to delight our customers.”

He replaces Patrick McGillycuddy who, after more than four years as head of sales operations at Volkswagen, has moved to a role in the automotive industry outside Volkswagen Group UK.

Andrew Savvas, director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, said: “During his time as head of sales operations, Patrick successfully oversaw the advent of the ID. family, taking the brand through an historic change in its journey. We’re grateful for his contribution, and wish him well for the future.”

Recruitment is under way for Douglas’s successor in Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.