Martina Biene, a stalwart not only of Volkswagen in South Africa but of the automotive industry across the African continent, leaves Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) to join Škoda Auto as the new Board member for Sales and Marketing, effective 1 October 2026.
Martina is the first female to hold the position of Chairperson and Managing Director at Volkswagen Group Africa, an appointment she takes up in November 2022. It marks her second spell at VWGA, following her tenure as Head of Volkswagen Passenger Brand from October 2018 until August 2020, during which she steers the Volkswagen brand to a record market share of 20.4% in 2019.
Under Martina's leadership, Volkswagen's manufacturing plant in Kariega reaches its highest production volume yet, 167 084 units, in 2024. That same year, the company announces a R4 billion investment to produce a third model, the Tengo, at Plant Kariega. The Tengo is officially unveiled this week as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of Volkswagen in South Africa.
Martina also serves as President of the Association of African Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) from October 2023 until July 2026, a role that cements her standing well beyond VWGA alone.
Christiane Zorn succeeds Martina. Christiane currently holds the position of Vice President Region Overseas at Porsche AG and brings 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. She joins BMW in 2013 after several years as a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group.
Her tenure at BMW includes roles in Munich and Beijing. From March 2020, she holds various management roles at Audi, including Head of Sales for China, Head of Product Marketing and Head of Product Strategy.
Christiane officially takes over the reins at VWGA on 1 October 2026, pending the completion of the necessary regulatory and statutory processes. Looking ahead to the role, Christiane remarks: “I am excited to join Volkswagen Group Africa and play my part in driving the future of Volkswagen in Africa with the team.”
Reflecting on her time at VWGA, Martina says: “It has been an honour to lead and work with such a great and resilient team. Despite the challenges facing both the automotive industry and our company, we have achieved many milestones worth celebrating.
“The early launch of the Tengo ranks highly amongst these achievements for what it will bring to Plant Kariega production and our SUV sales offensive plans in South Africa and other markets on the African continent,” Martina concludes.
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