Ford’s European boss Martin Sander is leaving the company to become sales and marketing boss at Volkswagen.
Sander joined Ford of Europe as general manager for passenger vehicles in January 2022, having spent 25 years at the VW Group, most recently in senior roles for Audi – latterly as the premium brand’s UK managing director.
He will now return to the VW Group, this time as board member for sales, marketing and aftersales at Volkswagen Passenger Cars. Imelda Labbé, who currently holds the position, is leaving for personal reasons.
Sander’s departure comes just days after Ford began producing its crucial new Explorer EV at the ex-Fiesta factory in Cologne, and shortly before it is due to reveal a closely related ‘sports crossover’ to be built on the same line, expected to be called the Capri.