Zetland, July 31, 2018 – Audi Australia today announced the appointment of Nikki Warburton as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), effective Monday August 6.
Warburton is a former Group Director at the leading media company Austar United Communications, responsible for the Product, Sales and Marketing function from 2001 until its sale to Foxtel in 2012. During her time at Austar, Warburton was honoured with eight ASTRA Awards for effective and outstanding consumer campaigns to drive sales, retention or community connection.
Before Austar, Warburton had extensive experience in marketing and advertising, having worked on all sides of the communications discipline.
Warburton's appointment at Audi marks her return to the automotive industry. From 1994 to 1999, she was General Manager, Marketing, at Astre Automotive Group, responsible for brands such as Hyundai, Chrysler Jeep and Audi.
"After a rigorous search, Nikki was an outstanding candidate and we are absolutely delighted to welcome her to Audi Australia," said Paul Sansom, Managing Director at Audi Australia.
"Nikki's track record and breadth of experience speaks volumes about what she is capable of, and she already knows the Audi brand very well. She is no stranger to many of our key customers and dealers, which positions her very well to lead our marketing team as we focus on lifting the profile of the Audi brand to even greater heights."
"Audi is an incredible brand and I feel privileged to lead the next phase with Paul and the Leadership Team at Audi, as well as the Audi National Dealer Network," said Warburton.
"The automotive industry is my passion and I am thrilled to be returning. I'm excited to again be a part of such a sophisticated and innovative brand, with some exceptional new product that I am looking forward to showcasing in front of Australian consumers."
After leaving Austar, Warburton focused on raising her two boys, now aged 10 and 14. She is currently Executive Patron, Foundation Board, of the Taronga Conservation Society Australia, as well as a director of the Foundation Board of SHORE School in Sydney and part of the Women In TV mentoring program.
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The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment. It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 16 locations in twelve countries. 100 percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include Audi Sport GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy).
In 2017, the Audi Group delivered to customers about 1.878 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 3,815 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and 55,900 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2017 fiscal year, AUDI AG achieved total revenue of €60.1 billion and an operating profit of €5.1 billion. At present, approximately 90,000 people work for the company all over the world, more than 60,000 of them in Germany. Audi focuses on sustainable products and technologies for the future of mobility.