Just in my email from Elon Musk this afternoon.
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I’m happy to announce that Tesla has hired Michael van der Sande as senior vice president for global sales, service and marketing. He brings a wealth of much needed automotive industry expertise and critical insight into international operations as Tesla grows in the United States and Europe.
Michael joined Harley-Davidson in 1996 and most recently oversaw more than 370 dealerships in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Prior to building the brand of the iconic American motorcycle company, he worked in marketing and dealer development at Nissan Europe and Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motor Cars.
One of Michael’s brightest achievements was building Harley’s European brand from scratch. As director of strategic planning at Harley headquarters in Wisconsin and then head of Harley’s Europe, Middle East and Africa operation, he forged an incredibly strong sense of community and identity among customers across dozens of languages, nationalities and professions.
At the end of the day, a Harley owner anywhere in the world wouldn’t be caught dead on any other brand of motorcycle – and that’s exactly the sense of loyalty we want to inspire for Tesla.
Michael’s grandparents drove in the famed Monte Carlo Rally in the French Riviera. He holds a racing license and has been fascinated by classic and sports cars since childhood. He’s Dutch, speaks four languages fluently and has lived in seven countries (including the United States).
He is the latest executive to join the executive staff with deep automotive industry knowledge, and his timing is perfect: Tesla is nearing its 100th customer delivery, accelerating the retail buildout (particularly on the East Coast) and getting closer to making the Model S a reality. With an impressive grasp of the nuances of international markets, Michael will also be in charge of EU deliveries, which begin in the spring.
Darryl Siry, who resigned after two years at Tesla, plans to start his own media/technology business. Many of you know Darryl both as a Tesla spokesperson and on a personal level. His contributions to Tesla are appreciated and we wish him well in his new venture.
This is a thrilling time to be part of the Tesla community of employees and customers. Over the next few months you will no doubt have the opportunity to get to know Michael, and you’ll see why he’s the perfect fit for Tesla.
Here’s a quick introductory blog from Michael, who will certainly be writing more and keeping you up to date.
Sincerely,
Elon Musk
Tesla Motors
1050 Bing Street
San Carlos, CA 94070 |
