Mladá Boleslav / Pune, 31 January 2024 - Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited announces a change in its leadership team with the appointment of Jan Bures as the new Board Member and Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Digital. In his new role, Jan Bures will oversee the operations of the Group brands Škoda, 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 Škoda Auto Volkswagen India since 2019 and has contributed significantly to the rise in popularity of the Made-in-India models under the Škoda 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 Škoda Auto Volkswagen India’s brands.
Piyush Arora, CEO & Managing Director of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, warmly welcomed Jan Bures to the leadership team, “We are delighted to have Jan Bures join our leadership team. 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 Škoda Auto Volkswagen India. Together, we will embark on a journey that promises to redefine automotive excellence and transform the landscape of mobility in 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.”
Christian Cahn von Seelen, the outgoing ED for Sales, Marketing and Digital of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited, added, “This is a bittersweet transition for me. It is a rare privilege to witness the entire journey of a car family from the 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 I embark on new endeavours within the VW Group, I am confident that Jan will not only meet but exceed expectations.”
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 Škoda Auto Volkswagen India’s ‘Powering Ahead’ vision.
In 2023, Škoda 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.