• by Tanya Gazdik , August 4, 2026

Audi of America has chosen its new top marketer.

Esther Francis, 49, has been named senior vice president and CMO, brand marketing and communications. 

Most recently, she served as head of brand communication, content marketing and collaborations at Audi AG in Germany, where she helped launch vehicles including the global campaign for the Audi A6 e-tron.

Francis will lead the integrated brand marketing and communications team, overseeing brand strategy, marketing, and external communications to drive growth and elevate the brand's presence in the U.S. market.

She brings 27 years of global marketing and communications experience, including nearly two decades within the Volkswagen Group. 

Both of Audi of America’s last two CMOs were the automaker’s chief communications officers before taking on the marketing duties. Emilie Cotter, was CMO from September 2023 to December 2025. She replaced Tara Rush, who held the position from November 2020 to August 2023.

Francis reports to Audi of America President Vito Paladino.

She will be charged with reigniting the  brand and reminding consumers “what makes Audi, Audi," Paladino says. 

"Esther’s extensive global experience, paired with her strategic vision and people-first leadership style, makes her an exceptional fit,” he says in a release. “Her proven ability to drive innovative strategies will ensure we continue to raise the bar and showcase our obsession with progress in this market.”

Previously, Francis served as vice president of marketing for FAW Audi in China, where she co-led a multinational team, successfully designing annual marketing communications strategies to support sales and brand building in one of Audi’s most competitive markets.

Her prior roles also include head of brand marketing and consumer communication for the Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand in China, and head of marketing for Audi South Africa, where she repositioned the brand and led high-impact launch campaigns. 

Earlier in her career, she worked as promotions and events manager and brand manager for Audi South Africa. 

Prior to her roles with Volkswagen and Audi, Francis led all brand marketing functions for Oakley Africa, the Southern Californian company’s African subsidiary, helping to reposition the performance sunglasses and apparel brand in the region, creating its brand marketing department and managing media relations.