2021 Canadians to Watch

CHOSEN BECAUSE:

In just seven years at Audi Canada, Vito Paladino has risen through the ranks, assuming the top spot in 2020. Throughout his career, the auto industry has always had an “innovative lens from a product  standpoint,” said Paladino, 44.

Audi’s biggest challenge moving forward is maintaining a continual focus on balancing strong sales performance with aggressively planning to be a premium leader in an industry undergoing seismic technological change, Paladino says.

Starting in 2026, the Germany-based luxury brand says it will launch new electric models only. But customers, he said, must remain at the centre of every key decision that’s made at both the automaker and dealership level.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

“The key to ensure a smooth transition is to continue to be customer-centric from a corporate and dealership perspective, which will position us in the centre of the customer journey. A customer-first mindset within our communications, training, customer consultations and digital platforms will support the transition of our employees, dealers and customers to the world of e-mobility and autonomous driving.”