DETROIT — Saab Automobile announced its new executive director of sales earlier this week, and filling the position is Adrian Hallmark, who comes to the automaker from Volkswagen.

His most recent post at VW was executive director of Asia, where he headed up operations in 50 markets, including China and Japan.

In Hallmark's new role — which is effective immediately — he takes over Saab's global sales operations duties from Knut Simonsson, who remains executive director of brand and marketing.

Hallmark reports directly to Saab president and chief executive officer Jan Ake Jonsson, and is based out of the automaker's Trollhattan, Sweden, headquarters.

"Saab is embarking on a new era as an independent company and I am delighted to be joining the management team at such an exciting time," Hallmark shared.

"With three new products about to be launched and a re-energized dealer network in place, I look forward to building sales volumes and reinforcing the brand's presence in major markets around the world," he continued.

Jonsson offered his commentary, saying: "I am very pleased to welcome Adrian to our senior management team. His broad range of experience makes him ideally suited to this role, and I am confident he will add significant value as we start to regain our position in various markets and further grow the Saab business."

"Over the next 16 months we will be launching three new products: the 9-5 Sedan, the 9-4X and the 9-5 SportCombi. Adrian's contribution will be vital in optimizing the sales of these exciting new products," he noted.

Looking at his prior industry experience in more detail, Hallmark previously served as managing director of Porsche Cars GB Ltd. He also led Bentley's global sales, marketing and public relations activities.

Prior to taking on the role as executive director of Asia for VW, he was the executive vice president of Volkswagen of America.