HERNDON, Va. –

A veteran communications executive who has held roles with a pair of domestic automakers was named as Volkswagen Group of America’s executive vice president of group communications Monday.

Taking the position effective immediately is Tony Cervone,  who will report to Jonathan Browning, president and chief executive officer of Volkswagen Group of America, and will be a member of the executive management team.

In conjunction with relocating to Herndon, Va., the company is asking Cervone to be responsible for all aspects of corporate communications. This includes corporate media relations, all public relations campaigns, community partnerships and philanthropy.

VW highlighted that Cervone brings more than 24 years of public relations and corporate communications experience to the job. Cervone most recently was in the role of senior vice president and chief communications officer for United Airlines, where he was responsible for all internal and external communications.

Cervone also served in various automotive communications roles at Chrysler for 14 years and General Motors for 10 years.

At GM, executives mentioned that Cervone held the position of vice president of global communications strategy and operations. In that role, he was responsible for all GM’s media, employee and labor communications for all markets around the world.

“I welcome Tony to our management team,” Browning commented.

“In his 24 years in automotive communications, Tony has continually demonstrated communications leadership in this industry,” Browning continued. “I believe he will be a critical member of the team and will help drive the aggressive growth goals we are facing.”