Commercial vehicle executive swaps Volvo Bus for UD Trucks
Following two years as Volvo Bus Australia’s general manager, Lauren Downs is to leave this position as a result of a new truck appointment within the Volvo Group – effective May 1, 2020 – the company has announced.
Downs is to assume the position of vice president – UD Trucks sales at this time, Volvo Bus confirms, and will succeed Mark Strambi following his decision to retire.
Her extensive experience with Volvo Bus started when still studying at university before spending four years from 2008 as a Sales and Marketing Coordinator.
Downs was global sales and competence development manager in Gothenburg at Volvo Bus Headquarters before moving to Volvo Bus East Asia in Singapore as Commercial Development Director.
Returning to Volvo Bus Australia in 2017, Downs was a major accounts manager for just under a year before assuming her current role in March 2018.
Read sister publication Australasian Bus and Coach’s profile of Downs, here
Volvo Group Australia president and CEO Martin Merrick welcomes the appointment.
“I am convinced Lauren’s experience with Volvo Bus perfectly positions her to succeed with UD Trucks Australia,” Merrick says.
“Lauren has had brilliant success with Volvo Bus in a time where they have been the market leaders in the country. I am looking forward to Lauren bringing this success to the UD team.”
During Downs’ time with Volvo Bus she cultivated an interest in hybrid and electric vehicles, while her prior knowledge of the Volvo Group Australia Dealer Network places her to help UD “continue to deliver a premium customer experience”, Volvo Group says.
“Customer success is a particular passion of mine and I’m committed to continuing that in my new role,” Downs adds.
“I am extremely excited to start working in the UD team, and continuing the brand’s journey to strengthen the partnerships with our customers, further leverage the strength of the industry leading national dealer network, and ultimately deliver the highest possible customer experience.
“In particular, it is undoubtedly an exciting time to join the UD brand with the new products coming to Australian roads soon.”
Photography: Thomas Wielecki