Nikki Warburton to leave Audi Australia after three years

Audi Australia has announced that Nikki Warburton, chief customer and marketing officer since 2018, will be leaving the business in late July. Warburton has led the Product, Customer and Marketing departments to success for the Audi Australia brand during that period.

“Nikki’s contribution to the Audi brand in Australia has been tremendous, and we are grateful for her leadership and expertise, which has enabled us to be in such a strong position,” said Paul Sansom, managing director of Audi Australia.

“Nikki joined Audi in a difficult phase, characterised by delays in our product lifecycles, which resulted in significant untapped opportunity to further strengthen our brand in Australia. Since then, her team has exceeded all expectations in turning this around into the strong position we are in today.

“While we regret to see Nikki leave, we understand it is the right time for her to accept her next challenge, especially given the strength of the team she leaves behind.” 

In the last two years, Audi has markedly grown its sales volume and market share, in line with an incredible array of new products that break new ground for sustainability, design, performance and digital innovation.

In the last 12 months, Roy Morgan has named Audi as the top premium automotive brand, while KANTAR research has shown Audi is the fastest-growing premium brand in terms of buyer intention. Desirability, loyalty and awareness indicators are also gaining positive momentum.

“I am enormously proud of all we’ve achieved in the last few years, but I feel now is the right time for me to leave Audi’s future success in the capable hands of my team,” said Warburton.

“Audi is an incredible brand and I’ve had an amazing time helping it to shine as brightly as it does now, and I will always carry with me a great fondness for the fearless progress it has always stood for.” 

Warburton’s successor is expected to be announced in the next few weeks.