Audi of America CMO Tara Rush is leaving

Audi of America Chief Marketing Officer Tara Rush is leaving the automaker.

Rush joined Audi in 2019 as chief communications officer in 2019 and was promoted to CMO in November 2020. She was previously at Heineken USA in the role of chief corporate affairs officer.

Audi of America President Daniel Weissland in a statement to Ad Age said, “Tara was a highly valued member of Audi of America’s executive leadership team during a transformative time within our industry and we are grateful for her many contributions to the business. We wish her all the best on her future endeavors.” 

Rush “plans to take some time to recharge before her next chapter,” Weissland stated in an internal memo. Leading the marketing department on an interim basis will be Jessica Thor, Audi of America’s director for brand strategy; and Maggie Mohiuddin, director of brand channel marketing, Weissland stated in the memo.

During Rush’s tenure, Audi of Amerca changed lead U.S. creative agencies, hiring Ogilvy in May 2022, replacing Venables Bell & Partners, which had held the account since 2007. Ogilvy had already worked with Audi in South Africa, China and Germany. The WPP agency’s first big campaign for Audi is expected soon.

Audi’s U.S. sales increased 49% percent in the quarter to 52,763 vehicles, thanks to its growing lineup of electric vehicles and increased crossover inventory, Automotive News reported.

Rush’s departure means there are now three top marketing jobs open in the automotive industry. General Motors has yet to replace Deb Wahl, who left in March, while Ford has still not named a CMO to replace for Suzy Deering, who parted ways with Ford in late 2022.

Read more:  Deborah Wahl on why she left GM and what’s next