The appointment is a result of a number of structural internal changes that also see the setting up of a new Group Fleet function, which will be managed by current head of Volkswagen Fleet Services, Vincent Kinner.

In a statement the carmaker said: ‘All these changes are designed primarily to enhance customer experience through maximising Group-wide synergies and reducing duplication in administration and systems development.’

O’Shea has 12 years’ experience at VW, the last three of which have been within the fleet department as national fleet sales manager. He also worked in the product marketing department for over three years.  

Robert Hazelwood, director of Volkswagen, said of the new appointment: ‘Michael is extremely well placed to take over the reins in the Volkswagen Fleet department. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience which will allow him to develop the company’s sales in this key area in the years to come. Fleet sales currently make up over half of our total annual volume, and I’m sure Michael will relish the challenge of his new responsibilities.’

O’Shea added: ‘I’m ready for this new challenge and excited about ensuring Volkswagen customers receive the highest quality products and customer service. I have a great team in place to help me do this and we are absolutely focused on delivering our objectives. Vince has been a great mentor over the past three years and I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new group role.’