Audi names Rene Koneberg as MD for Middle East after Carsten Bender exits
Audi Middle East announced the appointment of Rene Koneberg as Managing Director during the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) Qatar 2023, effective immediately. Koneberg represented the company during the launch of its forerunner car, the Audi SQ8.
He takes over from Carsten Bender, who left the company three months ago for new career opportunities. Koneberg transitioned to this role after serving as the Senior Regional Director of EU-16 in Germany.
Koneberg has been with the automobile company for 23 years, holding various leadership roles in different regions. “He played a pivotal role in establishing Audi AG's European Sales and Distribution Strategy to align with new legal and economic developments. His passion for innovation and adaptability also led to significant contributions to Audi's fleet sales strategy within the Volkswagen Group and a successful tenure as Sales Manager for the GCC at Audi Middle East,” said the company in an official statement.
This is not his first experience in the Middle East. In 2007, he served as the Head of Corporate & VIP Sales, where he played a key role in establishing a comprehensive Corporate Sales Strategy for the region, bolstering key partnerships and presence in various high-profile segments. In his previous roles, he served the company in the capacity of Managing Director for Audi Hongkong & Macau, Group Managing Director for Audi Volkswagen Korea Ltd, Director of Brand Operations for Audi China, Sales Director Quattro GmbH for Audi Germany, and European Sales and Distribution Strategy at Audi Germany.
Assuming the new role, Koneberg said, “I am thrilled to return to Audi Middle East and contribute to a brand that consistently pushes boundaries, embraces transformation, and leverages global expertise to drive continued success in the region. Having witnessed remarkable evolution, I am eager to further unlock the brand‘s vast potential. The Middle East presents a fast-developing market, and I look forward to leading Audi towards sustained success, using my experience from other Audi markets, and from my past tenure here in the Middle East. I and the entire team at Audi, look forward to shaping the company’s future in this dynamic market.”
Carsten, who served Audi Middle East for five years, has not shared details about his next opportunity. However, he announced his departure from the company on LinkedIn in a post: