Volkswagen Group Ireland has announced the appointment of Alan Bateson as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Pierre Boutin following three successive years of record business performance. Bateson is a familiar figure within the Irish motor industry, having spent more than 17 years with Volkswagen Group Ireland. Most recently, he served as Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, overseeing sustained market share growth and helping establish Volkswagen as Ireland’s leading battery electric vehicle brand.
His appointment comes at a significant time for both Volkswagen Group Ireland and the wider automotive industry, as manufacturers continue to respond to changing customer expectations, new technologies and the accelerating transition towards electric mobility. As CEO, Bateson will oversee the continued development of Volkswagen Group Ireland, with a focus on growth, transformation and customer experience. He will also 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 currently represents six major automotive brands in Ireland, comprising Volkswagen, Audi, Škoda, CUPRA, SEAT and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Together with Volkswagen Financial Services, the Group operates through an extensive nationwide retail network. Bateson highlighted the importance of that dealer network to the company’s future, describing its long standing relationships with retailers as one of Volkswagen Group Ireland’s greatest competitive strengths.
“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,” he added.
Volkswagen Group Ireland Chairman Anton Vidal Tost also paid tribute to outgoing CEO Pierre Boutin, who departs following three years at the helm of the Irish operation. Under Boutin’s leadership, Volkswagen Group Ireland achieved record results across volume, turnover and market share, while preparing the business for its next phase of transformation.
“I would like to thank Pierre for his significant contribution to Volkswagen Group Ireland,” said Vidal Tost. “Pierre leaves the business with a strong leadership team, a clear strategic direction and a solid foundation for continued growth.”
He also welcomed Bateson’s appointment, highlighting his success in growing Volkswagen Passenger Cars and establishing the brand as a leader in Ireland’s expanding electric vehicle market. Boutin joined Volkswagen AG in 2014 and has held a number of senior positions across Europe and North America, including executive roles in France, Canada and Ireland. Reflecting on his departure, Boutin said he was particularly proud of the record performance achieved across the Group’s brands during his three years in Ireland and wished Bateson and the wider team every success as Volkswagen Group Ireland enters its next chapter.
