HERNDON, Va. -

As the automaker sets its sights on ramping up worldwide sales to catch Toyota, Volkswagen of America looked to Subaru for its new chief product and marketing officer for the Volkswagen brand.

Tapped for the job was Timothy Mahoney, who will report to Jonathan Browning, president and chief executive officer of Volkswagen Group of America and president of the Volkswagen America brand.

The automaker recounted that Mahoney joins Volkswagen from Subaru of America, where he was the senior vice president and chief marketing officer for the past five years. Executives also mentioned that Mahoney served as vice president of marketing for Porsche Cars North America and as general manager of marketing from 1999 to 2006.

From 1984 through 1999, Mahoney also served in a variety of increasingly responsible marketing positions at Subaru of America. VW pointed out Mahoney started his marketing career at Sara Lee.

The OEM explained Mahoney will be responsible for aligning the strategic direction of the brand’s product planning and promotional efforts in the U.S.

The company added Rainer Michel, vice president of product marketing and strategy and Tim Ellis, vice president of marketing for VW of America will report to Mahoney.

“Tim brings a wealth of automotive experience in aligning future product plans with market needs and brand positioning,” Browning insisted.

“It’s a strength that will serve us well as we build the product portfolio to reach our goals here in the U.S,” he continued.

“As we operate in an increasingly global media environment, Tim Ellis will also be engaged in additional project coordination responsibilities that leverage the strengths of the U.S. marketing organization across our international markets,” Browning went on to say. “These moves are an integral part of implementing our growth strategy.”