Audi of America names SVP, chief marketing officer

Herndon-based premium auto manufacturer Audi of America announced Wednesday it has promoted Tara Rush as senior vice president and chief marketing officer, effective Dec. 1.

Rush currently serves as Audi of America’s chief communications officer. In her new role, she will oversee brand strategy and U.S. marketing efforts including advertising, retail marketing, consumer experience, brand partnerships and social media. Rush will continue to oversee marketing and communications until her successor is named. She will continue to report directly to Audi of America President Daniel Weissland.

“Tara is not only an experienced brand expert, she is an exceptional leader with a passion for driving meaningful change,” Weissland said in a statement. “Her mix of external experience and proven internal track record — coupled with her strategic and bold decision-making — are a great fit for this role.”

With 20 years of experience, she has also previously served as chief corporate affairs officer for Heineken USA, where she was a member of the executive management team.

“Today, more than ever, marketing needs to be at the intersection of what people want and need, what a brand stands for and how to be a thoughtful reflection of culture and society,” Rush said in a statement. “I’m thrilled to help lead Audi’s new era of mobility and our commitment to put people at the heart of everything we do.”

Rush earned her bachelor’s degree in consumer economics from Cornell University.

Audi of America Inc. is a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group of America, which also produces Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Volkswagen-branded cars. Audi of America designs, engineer and sells a full line of premium vehicles, selling more 224,000 cars in 2019 and launching its first fully electric vehicle. It employs nearly 400 people.

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