LEADING THE CHARGE

Automotive industry veteran and Audi AG's first female board member HILDEGARD WORTMANN sheds light on the marque's leap into the future and her inspiring leadership journey - all of which focuses on putting people first.

- YANNI TAN

Hildegard Wortmann's appointment management to the board of for sales and marketing at Audi AG in mid-2019 came at an opportune moment. The topic of diversity and inclusion had been gaining momentum more than ever, while the future of electro-mobility was quickly taking shape. The executive, who has over two decades of experience in the automotive industry, is now part of the leadership force realising the brand's vision of becoming a sustainable, social and technological leader by 2030.

Named Vorsprung 2030, the strategy paves a clear roadmap Audi will play in the mobility of the future, according to Wortmann. In this drive to accelerate its own transformation, new car models from 2026 will be all-electric while combustion engine production will be gradually phased out by 2033. Under development right now is an extensive ecosystem for electric cars, with Audi expanding after-sales offering to include intelligent hardware and predictive service. This commitment to sustainability, which has found resounding support among its staff and management, is also enshrined thoroughly in the company's processes.

The German word Vorsprung translates to progress, but Wortmann has a deeper interpretation for it: "It means understanding what moves people, which is why we strive to operate through the lens of human centricity, where we consistently place people and their needs at the centre of our actions."

What does Vorsprung 2030 mean for the Audi driver?