Audi Middle East Announces Rene Koneberg as Managing Director During GIMS Qatar

Posted By: Tires & Parts Newson: Wednesday, October 11, 2023In: Automotive

Audi Middle East has announced the appointment of Rene Koneberg as its Managing Director, bringing onboard an industry expert to steer the brand’s future in the dynamic Middle Eastern market. Under his new role, Rene represented Audi Middle East for the first time at GIMS Qatar, where he presented Audi’s flagship SUV, the new Q8 for the first time in the world, shared the success of 2023’s first half and the brand’s outlook for the next few years, while also engaging with regional business partners to discuss the brand’s future in the region.

During the recent Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) in Qatar, an event of significant regional importance, the Audi team also hosted a pivotal investor conference. The distinguished attendees included André Konsbruck, Vice President of Sales Overseas at Audi AG, with Koneberg representing Audi Middle East, where investors met him in his new role as regional managing director for the first time.

The conference brought together investors to engage in a comprehensive conversation about the brand’s trajectory. Furthermore, Konsbruck highlighted Audi’s global strategies and plans, while Rene directed attention toward future growth plans for the region.

About Rene Koneberg

Rene Koneberg joins Audi Middle East with an extensive career spanning several notable automotive industry roles. With a track record of success and a profound understanding of market dynamics, Koneberg is poised to lead Audi’s strategic initiatives in the Middle East region, focusing on the ever-evolving landscape of electric vehicles and the future of mobility.

Beginning his career with Audi in 2000, Koneberg played an important role in helping to develop Audi AG’s European Sales and Distribution Strategy in line with new legal and economic developments. His passion for innovation and adaptability led him to explore new territories, where he made significant contributions to Audi’s fleet sales strategy within the Volkswagen Group and his successful tenure as Sales Manager for the GCC at Audi Middle East.

Rene Koneberg’s dedication to achieving excellence and driving transformative change is reflected in his more recent roles. As Head of Corporate & VIP Sales for Audi Middle East in 2007, he established a comprehensive Corporate Sales Strategy for the region, forging key partnerships and solidifying Audi’s presence in various high-profile segments.

His expertise also extends beyond the Middle East, as showcased during other key roles with Audi, such as Director of Brand Operations Audi China, where he was responsible for brand marketing and establishing the first digital showroom in Asia, “Audi City.” Most notably, Koneberg managed the importer for Audi, Volkswagen, Bentley, and Lamborghini in Korea, leading a remarkable turnaround for Audi Volkswagen Korea (“AVK”) post-crisis, propelling AVK’s businesses to new heights and with solid brand strategy throughout.

As Managing Director for Audi Middle East, Rene’s visionary leadership and unparalleled experience will play a central role in shaping Audi’s growth, customer and brand experience, and further electrification development across the region. His focus on regionalising the global strategies through digitalisation and improved customer experience will undoubtedly drive Audi’s commitment to providing cutting-edge mobility solutions for discerning customers in the region.

“I am thrilled to return to Audi Middle East and contribute to a brand that consistently pushes boundaries, embraces transformation, and leverages global expertise to drive continued success in the region. Having witnessed remarkable evolution, I am eager to further unlock the brand‘s vast potential. The Middle East presents a fast-developing market, and I look forward to leading Audi towards sustained success, using my experience from other Audi markets, and from my past tenure here in the Middle East. I and the entire team at Audi, look forward to shaping the company’s future in this dynamic market,” shared Rene Koneberg.

Audi Middle East welcomes Rene with immense enthusiasm, knowing that his leadership will further reinforce Audi’s aim towards innovation, sustainability and customer experience excellence.