Joseph Jacuzzi, GM of communications in a short stint at Ford Motor Company’s Lincoln operation, has rolled to Audi of America as chief communications officer.
Jacuzzi takes the slot vacated by Jeff Kuhlman, who left Audi in December to head global communications at Nissan.
Jacuzzi was previously VP of communications for PepsiCo’s beverage division before joining Ford earlier this year.
Audi of America president Johan de Nysschen said the company “look[s] forward to his valuable insights and support as we continue to strive to take Audi to its full potential here in the U.S.”
The German luxury carmaker’s U.S. operation is based in Herndon, Va.
Jacuzzi was previously with General Motors in the U.S. and abroad during eight years, and earlier held posts at Shelby Automobiles and Mitsubishi.
He worked on the agency side at Bob Thomas and Associates.
Brad Stertz, a former reporter and editor for the Wall Street Journal, Detroit News and (Hampton Roads, Va.) Daily Press, has been corporate communications manager for Audi of America for the past four years.