By Malusi Msomi

Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has appointed Simphiwe Nghona as its new Sales and Marketing Director, effective 1 May 2025. He succeeds Thomas Milz and steps into the role after serving as Head of Sales and Marketing at VWGA’s National Sales Organisation since July 2024.

Nghona brings 27 years of experience in the automotive and financial services industries, having worked with importers, OEMs, distributors, and dealers across Africa. His previous roles include Group Head of Vehicle and Asset Finance at Standard Bank and Divisional CEO of the Motor Division at WesBank. He has also held leadership positions at a VW dealership in Kariega.

He holds a Postgraduate Diploma from Henley Business School and completed an Advanced Management Programme at INSEAD. He currently chairs the boards of Volkswagen Ghana and Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda and serves as a non-executive director for VW Financial Services.

Martina Biene, VWGA Chairperson and Managing Director, said Nghona’s strategic experience and leadership will support the company’s continued growth in the region.