Audi U.S. Chief Comes From Within

Audi of America Inc. appoints Johan de Nysschen, who has been president of the German auto maker's Japanese unit, as its new leader effective Dec. 1.

Nysschen replaces Axel Mees, who was fired by Audi in November after making disparaging comments about the Volkswagen Phaeton sedan and former Volkswagen AG CEO Ferdinand Piech.

Mees was in the final stages of bringing Nysschen to the U.S. to assume the position of chief operating officer, with responsibility for sales and marketing