MUMBAI: Volkswagen Group Sales India has appointed Kamal Basu as marketing and PR head for Volkswagen Passenger Cars.

Basu, who joined Skoda Auto India as marketing head in 2012, oversaw product marketing, lead management, communication and media, and also worked closely with sales, after-sales and dealer network teams. In addition to his work in automobile marketing, Basu has a very strong background in advertising, having spent close to two decades working with top-level agencies like RK Swamy BBDO, Rediffusion Y&R and with Saatchi & Saatchi as CEO.

 “I’m happy to have contributed to Skoda’s performance in India over the last three years, and am happy to take up the new challenge of bringing fresh thought and new ideas to Volkswagen India’s marketing effort. Volkswagen is an iconic automotive brand with great history and a strong legacy, and I hope to make a contribution towards the growth of this brand in the Indian car market,” said Basu.

Commenting on the appointment, Volkswagen Passenger Cars director Michael Mayer said, “We are pleased to welcome Kamal on board here at Volkswagen India. Kamal is a seasoned marketing professional and I’m sure he will be a strong and valuable addition to our team. Kamal will play a key role in further developing the strengths of the Volkswagen brand in India.”

Basu’s appointment is effective from 1 January 2015.