Audi Sport Gets a New Leader: Michael-Julius Renz

Following the announcement that current head of Audi Sport, Stephan Winkelmann is on his way to Bugatti at the beginning of next year, the Audi sub-brand was in need of new leadership. And they’ve found it in the form of Michael-Julius Renz.

Renz comes to Audi Sport from his previous position as president of the sales division in China and has been with the company for 20 odd years, now.

“With his international experience, Michael-Julius Renz will further drive the growth of Audi Sport worldwide,” said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board at Audi, in a statement. “Under his leadership, we want to firmly establish the brand as a global player in the market.”

In his new role, Renz will be in charge of Audi’s most performance-oriented products and will continue down the path set by his predecessor of expanding the RS range.

His work at Audi Sport will officially begin on March 1, 2018. Winkelmann will, meanwhile, depart the company on January 1, headed for Bugatti.

Under his rule, Audi Sport changed its name from Quattro GmbH and began its current mission of producing more RS models, including more “international” models, which basically means more SUVs and fewer wagons.

“[Winkelmann] has positioned Audi Sport as an independent and forward-thinking brand, and has made a decisive impact in terms of setting the course for the future growth of the company,” said Stadler. “Michael-Julius Renz will inherit an excellent legacy.”

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