Audi of America announced the appointment of Vito Paladino as president, Audi of America and Head of Audi North America Region, effective April 1, 2026.
Paladino, 49, current president and CEO of Volkswagen Group Canada and president, Audi Canada, will succeed current Audi of America president, Daniel Weissland, who will be appointed president of the FAW Audi Sales Company China, as Audi taps North American expertise for leadership roles in key markets globally, company officials stated in a press release.
Paladino Leads Audi Canada to Record Sales Growth
A Canadian National and 27-year automotive leader, Paladino began his career with Audi Canada in 2013 in sales operations, spending the next decade leading the brand’s sales and after sales operations until becoming Audi Canada president in 2020. Since leading Audi Canada for more than five years, Paladino has driven the brand to a series of record-breaking results, during which time he led the team to become the No. 1 premium brand in sales volume in 2022 for the first time in Canadian history, as well as achieving the best year ever in after sales, noted the release. In 2024, he assumed additional responsibilities as president and CEO of Volkswagen Group Canada, successfully steering the organization to consecutive record years.
“We are decisively strengthening the Audi brand and our sales organization in our core regions. With our model initiative and these high-performing leaders, Audi is well positioned to enhance its competitiveness in both North America and China,” says Marco Schubert, Audi board member for sales & marketing. “Daniel has demonstrated exceptional commitment and strong leadership during a period marked by significant challenges. Under his guidance, the brand has executed the largest model launch initiative in Audi’s U.S. history. Daniel will apply his deep sales expertise and customer focus to advance Audi’s business in China. Vito played a key role in establishing Audi as a leading premium brand in Canada.”
Paladino’s U.S. Plans & Additional Key Appointments
“I’m honored to lead Audi of America at such an important time for the brand. Having spent much of my career within the Audi family, I know the passion, innovation and dedication that drive our teams and our customers,” said Paladino. “As Audi continues the largest product launch cadence in our history, I look forward to working closely with U.S. dealers to bring even more performance and excitement to Audi customers across the country. Together, we will build on Audi’s momentum and continue shaping the future of premium mobility in America.”
Audi Canada will subsequently be led by Khaled Soussi, currently responsible for the commercial strategy and customer experience in SEAT SA. Edgar Estrada, president of the Volkswagen brand in Canada, will additionally take over the role of president & CEO of Volkswagen Group Canada.