Audi seeks to replace UK marketing chief

by James Quilter, Marketing 22-Nov-06

Audi is searching for a head of UK marketing following the departure of Nigel Brotherton, who has been appointed head of loyalty at sister marque Volkswagen.

Brotherton, who had been in the top UK marketing post since September
2005, was previously marketing director for VW Commercial Vehicles. He
replaced Gary Savage, who became head of operations.

Audi said that it was in the process of finding a replacement for

Brotherton. Industry sources believe the frontrunner for the role is
former Skoda head of marketing Chris Hawken, who is currently Audi's
brand communications manager.

Brotherton most recently oversaw a £5m ad campaign for the A6,
which broke last month. The campaign highlighted the fact that Audi had
filed more patents than NASA in the development of the car to promote
its emphasis on technological advancement.

Recently Audi has looked beyond traditional marketing methods. Last year
it launched the Audi Channel, which broadcasts 24 hours a day on the Sky
platform. The content for the channel, which is overseen by Savage, is
commissioned out by its advertising agency, Bartle Bogle Hegarty.