Audi Volkswagen Korea, the domestic distributor of the two German brands, named Rene Koneberg, the former managing director of Audi Hong Kong and Macau, as its new group managing director, the company said Friday.

Koneberg replaces Johannes Thammer, who left for Germany in June, a month before his term in Seoul was to end on July 31. The Korean branch of the German carmaker was being led by two leaders including Thammer and Marcus Hellmann. Hellman, the co-group managing director, will continue to focus on legal, compliance and regulatory-related issues of the company.

Since joining Audi in 2000, the German-born group managing director has worked on brand operations, sales and marketing in China and the Middle East.

The company noted his role in major projects: Asia’s first premium car-sharing service Audi at Home, and Audi City, the first digital showroom in Asia.

“I feel a great sense of responsibility in leading Audi Volkswagen Korea during such times. Audi Volkswagen Korea will do all it can to restore our customer trust and confidence in a responsible manner, while taking various measures including enhancing the company processes and transparency,” said Koneberg in a statement.

By Kim Bo-gyung (lisakim425@heraldcorp.com)