VW Taps Dahlheim to Head Group Sales

Volkswagen AG has named Christian Dahlheim, currently sales chief for VW Financial Services, to take over as head of VW Group sales.

Dahlheim will succeed Fred Kappler, 60, who is retiring from that position after more than two years, on Oct 1. Dahlheim’s current duties will be absorbed by VW Financial Chairman Lars Santelmann.

Dahlheim, 49, joined VW in 2005 and has held several management jobs within VW Financial. He served as president and CEO of VW Credit in the U.S. from 2014. He joined the affiliate’s management board in 2016, where he has been responsible for the unit’s sales and marketing.

Kappler is completing a 36-year career at VW. He previous served as head of export sales for VW and chief financial officer for FAW Volkswagen in China. Other past assignments included head of sales for the VW and Skoda brands and VW Parts.