Abbey Thomas Appointed New Bentley India Head Amid Major Transition

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India has announced the appointment of Abbey Thomas as the new Country Head for Bentley India, effective January 2024. Thomas, who previously led marketing and public relations at Volkswagen India, will report directly to Jan Bures, Executive Director - Sales, Marketing, and Digital at Skoda Auto Volkswagen India.

This leadership change aligns with Bentley Motors’ transition plan, moving its operations in India from Exclusive Motors, its current importer, to Skoda Volkswagen Group India’s national sales office. This strategic shift aims to:

• Enhance operational efficiency
• Improve customer service
• Streamline parts availability
• Expand Bentley’s footprint, including a new dealership in Southern India

Bentley, a luxury brand under the Volkswagen Group, which includes Škoda, Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini, expects to leverage the larger infrastructure and sales network of the group to strengthen its position in the growing Indian luxury car market.

About Abbey Thomas

Thomas brings over two decades of automotive industry experience, holding an MBA in Marketing from PUMBA, Pune University. His career highlights include:

• Sales roles at Kinetic Finance
• Marketing positions at Mercedes-Benz India and Honda Cars India
• Senior roles at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Nissan, and Audi India
• Leading marketing and PR for Saud Bahwan Group in Oman

At Audi India, Thomas rose to Chief General Manager - Head of Product and Sales Planning, before joining Volkswagen India as Marketing and PR Head.

Significance for Bentley India

This transition marks an exciting phase for Bentley in India, as the brand aims to strengthen its market presence and deliver enhanced luxury experiences to its clientele. The move reflects Bentley’s commitment to the growing importance of the Indian market for luxury cars.