Audi Sport has announced that Michael-Julius Renz will replace Stephan Winkelmann as CEO of the Ingolstadt brand’s performance division.
The 60-year-old holds a degree in business management and has worked in managerial roles at Audi for more than 20 years. From March 1, he will replace 53-year-old former Lamborghini chief Winkelmann, who will take over as president of Bugatti.
Rupert Stadler, chairman of the board of management at Audi, said that Renz (pictured below) would “firmly establish the brand as a global player in the market”.
“With his international experience, Michael-Julius Renz will further drive the growth of Audi Sport worldwide,” said Stadler.
Renz will make the move from his current position as president of the Audi sales division in China. He previously managed sales in Europe along with centralised marketing of the Audi brand.
Stadler thanked Winkelmann, who took the Audi Sport job in March 2016, for his service.
“I would like to thank Stephan Winkelmann for his commitment and his successful contribution to the company,” said Stadler.
“He has positioned Audi Sport as an independent and forward-thinking brand, and has made a decisive impact in terms of setting the course for the future growth of the company. Michael-Julius Renz will inherit an excellent legacy.”
By 2020, Audi Sport says it will have expanded its line-up from 11 to 16 models.