Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Appoints New Head Of Press & PR

MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM – May 13, 2013: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicleshas appointed Pietro Panarisi as its new Head of Press and PR, with effect from 3 June 2013. In his new role, Pietro will report directly to Alex Smith, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, and be responsible for all aspects of the brand’s PR strategy in the UK.

Pietro joins Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles with more than 12 years of PR experience, most recently at ŠKODA UK as Product Affairs Manager where he orchestrated a number of high-profile campaigns, including a successful world land-speed record attempt.

Commenting on the appointment, Alex Smith said: ‘I am looking forward to Pietro joining the management team. He brings with him a wealth of relevant experience, knowledge and enthusiasm, and will be responsible for spearheading the brand’s media relations activities as we look to build on our sales success and expand our brand. We’ve just celebrated record first quarter sales and are number two in the UK van market – this is an exciting time in CV.’

Pietro replaces John Rawlings, currently Press and PR Manager for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, who is leaving the Group on 7 June to relocate with his family and pursue new opportunities.