“Simphiwe steps into a key leadership role set to further drive the company’s strategic sales and marketing business unit.”
The Volkswagen Africa Group (VWGA) has announced the appointment of Simphiwe Nghona as its new Sales and Marketing Director, succeeding Thomas Milz. Nghona officially stepped into the role on 1 July 2024, after serving as Head of Sales and Marketing at VWGA’s National Sales Organisation (NSO).
With over 27 years of experience in the automotive industry, Nghona brings deep knowledge of importers, distributors, OEMs, and dealerships across Africa. His extensive background positions him well to support VWGA’s growth plans, especially in complex business environments and the asset-lending space.
“We are delighted to welcome Simphiwe into his new role as Sales and Marketing Director. His extensive industry experience, strategic mindset, and leadership capabilities will undoubtedly strengthen our team and drive our growth initiatives forward. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our business,” said Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of VWGA.
Before joining VWGA, Nghona held several high-level positions in the automotive and finance sectors:
Group Head of Vehicle and Asset Finance at Standard Bank, overseeing strategy and execution for five business units across 14 African countries.
Divisional CEO of the Motor Division at WesBank, where he led sales, marketing, and partnerships with OEMs, dealerships, and financial institutions.
Dealer Principal and Executive Director at VW Market Square (Kelston Motor Group) in Kariega, where he managed dealership operations and customer relationships.
Nghona holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management from Henley Business School (University of Reading, UK). He is known for his strong leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to excellence.
In addition to his new role, Nghona is Chairman of the Board for both Volkswagen Ghana and Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda, and serves as a Non-Executive Director at VW Financial Services, representing the broader Volkswagen Group.