Melissa Cross

HONDA Australia and Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) have announced a shake-up to their respective public relations teams.

At Honda’s headquarters in Tullamarine Victoria, public relations manager Melissa Cross has left the company after the position was made redundant, while at VGA’s Sydney base, communications general manager Karl Gehling is leaving to “pursue other interests”.

Both companies acknowledged the achievements of their respective former employees and wished them luck and success in their future endeavours.
Ms Cross joined the company in 2008 before rising to the role in 2012 where she managed the media launches of seven new models as well as overseeing the communication of the company’s return to Formula One last year and The Honda Foundation.

Karl Gehling

Mr Gehling’s final day with the company will be February 19 after an eight-year tenure leading the Volkswagen Group Australia press office. Until a replacement is appointed, public relations manager Kurt McGuiness will serve as the primary media contact.

Volkswagen has also announced a new appointment to the PR team with Lasya Rao joining the company as group communications executive. Ms Rao will be responsible for press fleet and other media bookings.

By Daniel Gardner