Joe King to head Audi India

German luxury car maker Audi today announced a change of guard in its Indian operations, appointing Joe King as Head, India operations with effect from September 1, 2013. He will succeed Michael Perschke who is moving back to the headquarters in Germany.

Perschke, who assumed charge at Audi India in July 2010 and was instrumental in success of Audi in the country, will move on as Head of Network Strategy and Business Management, international level at Audi AG.

King moves to Audi India from Audi Australia. "As General Manager and Dealer Principal of Audi Australia's wholly-owned retail subsidiary, Audi Centre Sydney, Joe King was responsible, over the last four years, for the management, development and direction of the dealership operations," the company said in a statement.

Educated at the University of Melbourne, King has over 23 years of automotive experience. He commenced his career with Toyota in 1990. From 1996 until 2009, Joe King held various roles with BMW Group Australia, including Managing Director of BMW Sydney and General Manager of Sales.

He also held the position of General Manager of Sales at BMW Melbourne, along with the role of Finance and Insurance Manager.

During Perschke’s tenure in India, the Audi brand improved its position from 3,003 cars in 2010 to 9,003 cars in 2012. The company emerged as the number one luxury car brand in the country for 2012-2013 ahead of compatriots BMW and Mercedes Benz.