Volkswagen Group Ireland have announced the appointment of Alan Bateson as Chief Executive Officer. Bateson succeeds Pierre Boutin, under whose leadership Volkswagen Group Ireland delivered three successive years of record business performance, strengthening the company’s position as Ireland’s leading automotive group.
A highly regarded industry leader with more than 17 years of service within Volkswagen Group Ireland, Bateson brings extensive market experience and a strong track record of commercial success to the role. Most recently, he served as Director for Volkswagen Passenger Cars, where he played a key role in delivering sustained market share growth and establishing Volkswagen as Ireland’s leading Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) brand.
His appointment comes at a pivotal time for the automotive industry, as the sector continues to undergo significant transformation driven by changing customer expectations, technological innovation and the transition to electric mobility.
As CEO, Bateson will lead Volkswagen Group Ireland’s continued evolution, with a clear focus on driving growth, accelerating transformation and ensuring customer experience remains at the heart of the business. In addition, he will retain responsibility for the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand in Ireland.
Commenting on his appointment, Bateson said: “It is a great privilege to take on the role of CEO of Volkswagen Group Ireland. Having built my career within the Irish motor industry, I know what an honour it is to lead a business with such strong brands, talented people and trusted retail partners.
“My focus is clear: to continue to grow, to lead in mobility, and to deliver an outstanding and seamless experience for every customer.”
Volkswagen Group Ireland represents six globally recognised brands — Volkswagen, Audi, Škoda, CUPRA, SEAT and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles — and serves hundreds of thousands of customers through a nationwide retailer network. Supported by Volkswagen Financial Services, the Group has built a strong platform for long-term success and continued growth.
Bateson added: “Across every part of the business, our people bring passion, expertise and an unwavering commitment to our customers and brands. Our retailers, many of whom have represented Volkswagen Group brands for generations, are fundamental to our success. Those long-standing partnerships are built on a shared commitment to deliver exceptional customer experiences. They remain one of our greatest competitive advantages and play a vital role in bringing our brands to life in communities across Ireland.
“We have a strong foundation built on exceptional people, world-class brands, committed retail partners and a relentless focus on the customer. I look forward to building on that momentum together.”
Volkswagen Group Ireland Chairman Anton Vidal Tost praised outgoing CEO Pierre Boutin for his leadership and contribution to the business over the past three years.
He said: “I would like to thank Pierre for his significant contribution to Volkswagen Group Ireland. Under his leadership, the business achieved record performance in volume, turnover and market share, while also laying important foundations for future transformation. Pierre leaves the business with a strong leadership team, a clear strategic direction and a solid foundation for continued growth.
“I would also like to congratulate Alan on his appointment. Alan has successfully led the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand in Ireland over the past three years, delivering consistent market share growth and establishing Volkswagen as Ireland’s leading BEV brand. I wish both Alan and Pierre every success in the next stage of their careers.”
Boutin leaves Volkswagen Group Ireland following three years of record business performance, having strengthened the organisation and laid important foundations for its next phase of transformation and growth.
Boutin joined Volkswagen AG in 2014 and has held senior leadership positions across the Group in Europe and North America, including senior executive roles in France, Canada and Ireland.
Commenting on his departure, Boutin said: “I have greatly valued my time in Ireland and feel privileged to have worked with such talented and committed colleagues, retailers and business partners. I am particularly proud of the record performance we have delivered across all our brands over the past three years, as well as the foundations we have laid for the continued transformation of the business.
“I wish Alan every success in his new role and have every confidence in the team and the business as Volkswagen Group Ireland enters its next chapter.”
