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Get To Know Alessandro Colella, Our VP Sales Europe
06 December 2023
With our dedicated focus on further strengthening our Sales organization, we recently welcomed Alessandro Colella as VP Sales Europe of AUTO1 Group. In his role, he centrally owns the AUTO1.com Sales activities on the European level to drive sales growth and will have a direct impact on the customer experience of our merchants.
We sat down with him to get to know him better, learn about the future goals of the Sales Department, and the strategies he has in store to propel our company to new heights.
Can you tell us about your professional background?
Over the past decade, my career has revolved around catalyzing the global expansion of high-growth enterprises, traversing through diverse markets spanning the US, LATAM, Asia, and Europe.
My career commenced in the realm of investment banking, initially catering to clients within the Italian market. Eager to broaden my industry expertise, I transitioned into roles focused on optimizing operational strategies within multinational ventures. These experiences involved enhancing operations and logistics, working across various continents and cultures, and witnessing the evolution of workspace dynamics. Amidst the challenges brought forth by the pandemic, I undertook a Managing Director role steering operations in Italy and Spain, embarking on a mission to redefine consumer experiences.
Now, I'm fully immersed in further strengthening our B2B segment, with a primary focus on elevating the merchant experience to drive up unit sales and revenue.
What drew you to pursue this position at AUTO1 Group?
When I consider a new business opportunity, I prioritize three key elements: the role itself, the industry landscape, and the people involved. The VP Sales role intrigued me because it offered the possibility to consolidate best practices across countries by redefining the way we generate our demand, steering the organization towards an even more dealer-centric model while achieving both unit economics and overall profitability. The European used car market exceeds 700 billion and has a relatively modest online presence, which suggests an immense untapped potential.
Finally, what truly resonated with me was the dynamic team. My interactions during interviews with my supervisor were engaging, and these discussions continue to be stimulating across various topics. Collaborating with the global leadership and diverse sales teams on the ground has been incredibly fulfilling in these initial months.
What are your best practices for collaborating effectively across departments in multinational organizations?
I emphasize the establishment of robust communication channels and regular touchpoints to align strategies and confront challenges proactively. Working closely in conjunction facilitates streamlined processes, leading to boosted customer satisfaction and, in our case, elevated dealer experience.
Yet, successful collaboration is more than mere teamwork; it involves instilling a collaborative culture. Encouraging each department to comprehend and value the role they play in the overall customer journey is vital. Breaking down silos and nurturing a sense of unity and shared accountability is pivotal in achieving a seamless dealer experience across Europe.
AUTO1.com works with partners in over 30 countries - how do you adapt strategies to different cultures across these markets?
We prioritize comprehensive market research and analysis to understand the unique preferences within each market. This practice allows us to tailor our sales strategies, ensuring effective engagement with our target audience. However, our approach extends beyond mere adaptation; it’s about embracing continual learning through the exchange of knowledge and best practices. By sharing successful strategies across markets, we capitalize on proven tactics and collective experiences, propelling overall growth.
What’s your advice for readers who are keen to join the AUTO1.com sales team?
We're looking for highly motivated individuals who possess a robust sales background and share our enthusiasm for the automotive industry. Beyond qualifications, we value proactive people who can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table while continuously seeking improvement and growth opportunities.
As we are growing our sales team, we are constantly on the lookout for driven talents to join the team. I highly encourage you to get in touch if you are interested.
Look out for more Get-To-Knows from our AUTO1 Group colleagues in various markets; each with their own unique stories and experiences to tell. To start your story, find the list of open positions on our careers page.