Volkswagen, US makes two senior appointments

Volkswagen, US has announced the appointment of Anna-Maria Schneider as vice president industry and government relations. Jill Bratina will be VP Volkswagen Group corporate communications and Volkswagen brand communications.

In this new dual role, Bratina will be responsible for strategically integrating group and brand communications.

Steve Keyes will continue in his role as director for Volkswagen press and public relations, reporting to Jill Bratina.

Schneider, formerly director, industry and government relations, brings more than 20 years experience in automotive government relations, having formerly served as vice president and deputy to the group vice president, government and industry affairs for Toyota Motor North America, Inc. She also served as executive director, government relations, US operations, Mitsubishi Motors and as a director for intergovernmental affairs at Global USA.

Bratina, who has served as director of corporate communications, has a background in public affairs, corporate and crisis communications. She served as director of corporate communications for former Florida governor Jeb Bush and prior to that as director of public affairs for Bridgestone/Firestone during the company's tyre recall. After leaving then-Governor Bush's administration in 2004, she joined Public Strategies Inc, a strategic communications consulting firm.