Ex-Tesla/Harley-Davidson exec Michael van der Sande resurfaces at Aston Martin
It didn't take Michael van der Sande long to land a new gig after leaving his last posting at Tesla Motors. In August, van der Sande left Tesla after only nine months as senior vice-president of sales and marketing for the electric car maker. The sales executive who spent 12 years at Harley-Davidson (much of it running its European operations) will now be responsible for growing Aston Martin's global sales. Aston has announced that van der Sande, 44, will occupy the new position of chief commercial officer. Mr. van der Sande will report directly to CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez and oversee all commercial aspects of the company from its headquarters in Gaydon.
Like most other brands, Aston Martin has been struggling with the flagging world economy and one of its Middle East investors is reportedly short of cash. Hopefully, the launch of the new four-door Rapide will help van der Sande and his team right the luxury marque's ship in 2010. To learn more about van der Sande and his appointment, check out the official press release after the jump.
[Source: Aston Martin]
PRESS RELEASE:
Aston Martin Appoints Chief Commercial Officer to Drive Global Sales
Gaydon, 12 October, 2009 Aston Martin is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael van der Sande into the newly created position of Chief Commercial Officer. Based at the company's headquarters in Gaydon, United Kingdom. Van der Sande, 44 will report to Dr Ulrich Bez, Chief Executive Officer and will be part of the company's Executive Board of Management.
Van der Sande joins Aston Martin from Tesla Motors, but is perhaps more well-known for his twelve years with Harley Davidson, where he held a variety of senior roles in marketing, dealer development, product development and commercial operations. His most recent role was Vice President and Managing Director of Harley Davidson Europe.
In his role as Chief Commercial Officer he will take responsibility for all commercial areas to further develop and strengthen these key areas of the business.
Dr. Ulrich Bez commented: "Michael brings a wealth of experience at a global level to Aston Martin and I am delighted to welcome him to the team. His broad and successful experience on the global stage will help us to further develop Aston Martin's presence around the world."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Arkz 9:28AM (10/15/2009)
Now THAT'S a high forehead.
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Luso 11:08AM (10/15/2009)
Not that Tesla sales were a success when he was there!?!?!
http://www.carnorama.com
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Avinash machado 11:25AM (10/15/2009)
Do you have to mention your site in every comment you make here,Luso?
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