He was previously the public affairs manager of Lexus Australia and senior account director of Havas. He has more than 15 years experience as a journalist, including with GoAuto.

Mr DeGasperi will report to VGA’s general manager of corporate communications, Paul Pottinger,

He will work on programs for Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles and Commercial Vehicles, Skoda and Cupra.

VGA has also appointed Roxanne Salzborn as group communications specialist, effective January 31.

She was previously interned with Audi Australia’s communications team and worked with solar company sonnenConnect.

Ms Salzborn will work with VGA’s corporate communications specialist Adriana Wahbe on brand and internal matters for Volkswagen, Skoda and Cupra.

By Neil Dowling