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Audi of America Gains New Exec

According to board member Marco Schubert, the German automaker 'is well positioned to enhance its competitiveness in both North America and China,' and part of that includes management shifts.

February 27, 2026
Audi of America Gains New Exec

Vito Paladino has 27 years of industry experience and has been with Audi Canada since 2013. 

Audi/Canva

2 min to read


As part of a “coordinated management rotation,” Audi has appointed Vito Paladino as president of Audi of America and Head of Audi North America Region, effective April 1. Paladino is currently president and CEO of Volkswagen Group Canada and president of Audi Canada. 

Paladino will replace Daniel Weissland, who has served as president of Audi of America since 2019. Weissland will take over as president of the FAW Audi Sales Co. in China. 

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“Vito played a key role in establishing Audi as a leading premium brand in Canada,” said Audi board member for sales and marketing, Marco Schubert. 

Paladino joined Audi Canada in 2013 and became president in 2020. He joined the industry 27 years ago. While president, Audi said he delivered multiple record-breaking results for it. In 2022 Audi Canada became the top premium brand by sales volume, a first for the country, Audi said.

“I’m honoured to lead Audi of America at such an important time for the brand,” Paladino said. “As Audi continues the largest product launch cadence in our history, I look forward to working closely with US dealers.”

In his place, Audi Canada will be led by Khaled Soussi, currently responsible for commercial strategy and customer experience at SEAT SA, a Volkswagen Group brand based in Spain. The role of president and CEO of Volkswagen Group Canada will be taken over by Edgar Estrada, who is currently the president of the Volkswagen brand in Canada.

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