Trevor Hill, managing director of Audi Korea, has been a key figure in Korea’s import car industry for his contributions to growth in the Korean market.

After five years in Korea, he plans to leave the country upon completing his tenure this year.

News reports said that Hill will continue his career with Audi AG, moving to Dubai to serve as the local unit chief there.

According to industry sources, Hill has played an instrumental role in the breakthrough sales success of the luxury automaker’s Korean branch since he was first appointed to the company’s top post in 2007. 

Under his direction, the company’s sales rose almost 20 percent during his first year, rising to almost 5,000 cars sold.

And its upward sales streak has continued since then.

In 2011, the Korean branch of the German luxury automaker benchmarked a new annual sales record of over 10,000 cars for the first time in its history. The Korean unit was established in 2004.

The company is currently seeing its sales streak continue into 2012.

According to its latest reports, Audi Korea’s sales rose by about 50.2 percent during the first two quarters of this year.

Its German parent company, Audi VW, plans to soon name a new candidate to succeed Hill.

It will make its selection based on several factors, including a firm understanding of the rapidly growing Korean car market as well as Audi Volkswagen Korea. Audi is one of the labels under the Volkswagen Group.

News reports said that its current chief financial officer, Christian Schroth, will also vacate his post this year. Schroth has been named as the new vice president of Audi AG’s U.S. unit.

By Renee Park  (renee@heraldcorp.com)