Audi of America appoints Esther Francis as Chief Marketing Officer, SVP of Brand Marketing & Communi

August 3, 2026 by Audi
• Francis brings over 27 years of global marketing and communications experience, including nearly two decades within the Volkswagen Group
• Most recently, Francis served as Head of Brand Communication, Content Marketing & Collaborations at AUDI AG
• Francis to lead integrated brand marketing and communications team, effective Aug. 1, 2026

Audi of America announced today the appointment of Esther Francis as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Brand Marketing and Communications, effective August 1, 2026. Francis will lead the integrated brand marketing and communications team, overseeing brand strategy, marketing, and external communications to drive growth and elevate the brand’s presence in the U.S. market. Francis reports to Audi of America President, Vito Paladino.

‘Now is the time to reignite our brand and remind consumers what makes Audi, Audi,’ said Vito Paladino, president of Audi of America. ‘Esther’s extensive global experience, paired with her strategic vision and people-first leadership style, makes her an exceptional fit to lead Brand Marketing & Communications at Audi of America. Her proven ability to drive innovative strategies will ensure we continue to raise the bar and showcase our obsession with progress in this market.’

Francis (49) brings more than 27 years of deep marketing and communications expertise to the role, with 19 years spent within the Volkswagen Group. Most recently, she served as Head of Brand Communication, Content Marketing & Collaborations at AUDI AG in Germany, where she developed and implemented global brand communication formats across traditional and digital channels.

Previously, Francis served as Vice President of Marketing for FAW Audi in China, where she co-led a multinational team, successfully designing annual marketing communications strategies to support sales and brand building in one of Audi’s most competitive markets. Her prior roles also include Head of Brand Marketing & Consumer Communication for the Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand in China, and Head of Marketing for Audi South Africa, where she successfully repositioned the brand and led high-impact launch campaigns. Earlier in her career, she established her foundation in the automotive sector as Promotions & Events Manager and Brand Manager for Audi South Africa. Prior to her roles with Volkswagen and Audi, Francis led all brand marketing functions for Oakley Africa, the Southern Californian company’s African subsidiary, helping to reposition the performance sunglasses and apparel brand in the region, creating its brand marketing department and managing media relations.

Francis holds a National Higher Diploma in Public Relations Management (Cum Laude) from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in South Africa.