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Get to Know David Giugno, Our VP Product Retail

8 May 2024

We're excited to introduce David Giugno, who has recently been promoted to VP Product Retail at AUTO1 Group. David's journey with AUTO1 Group spans over eight years, making his recent promotion a testament to his dedication, hard work, and impact. We had the pleasure of sitting down with him to discuss what this new role means for him and learn more about his background. Join us as we uncover the exciting developments in David's career and gain insights into his vision for his new role.

Can you tell us about your professional background?

I’m originally from Nottingham and bring over 15 years of experience in product management and development. Throughout my career, I've played a pivotal role in delivering innovative and scalable products across various platforms for high-growth online companies and start-ups, including Zalando, Westwing, Bonial, and Viacom. My approach to work is a balanced blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and an entrepreneurial spirit. I’m passionate about using data and insights to guide decision-making processes, ensuring that informed strategies drive projects. With an interest in design and a commitment to prioritizing customer satisfaction, I uphold a strong 'Getting-Things-Done' mentality that enables me to navigate tasks and deliver results efficiently.

What have you learned over the past eight years at AUTO1 Group, and what achievements are you particularly proud of?

I’ve learned to embrace change as a constant and the importance of remaining open to adjustments and iterations in ideas and processes.

When I started at AUTO1 Group, my first assignment and product was developing Autohero. At the time, it was a simple landing page attempting to understand customer demand by acquiring email leads. We started product development, exploring how to disrupt the classifieds marketplace, and evolved Autohero into the successful retail product it is today. Being at the forefront of the Autohero journey and witnessing the product evolution has been quite remarkable. The scale and complexity of the products and platforms used daily are very impressive, and I’m also incredibly proud to have witnessed my talented product and engineering teams flourish.

In your new role as VP Product Retail, what now falls under your and your team’s responsibilities?

I now oversee the entire product retail value chain, including the Autohero platform and our internal tools that support the retail business. I also lead the AUTO1 Finance Group, which includes products like Merchant financing that were recently shipped to dealers.

My team of Product Managers will continue to play a vital role in guiding the development and launch of products from conception to delivery. They collaborate closely with various departments and teams to define a clear product vision, prioritize features, and ensure alignment with our business goals and customer needs. Additionally, they monitor market trends and gather user feedback to inform strategic decisions, which drives continuous improvement throughout the product's life cycle.

What are your key priorities and initiatives going forward?

First and foremost, I will continue to improve our Autohero products and drive profitable growth for our retail business. I will also strive to transfer best practices and lessons from retail to other business units, and I plan to implement more AI tools across the value chain to evolve product processes and workflows.

What advice would you give new colleagues to have a successful journey at AUTO1 Group?

Be proactive in seeking out opportunities to contribute and make an impact. Don't shy away from challenges; embrace them as opportunities for growth and learning. Maintain a positive attitude and mindset and be adaptable in the face of change. Finally, take the time to listen and learn from your colleagues, managers, and stakeholders. Their insights and experiences can provide valuable guidance on your journey here.

Look out for more Get-To-Knows from our AUTO1 Group colleagues in various markets, each with unique stories and experiences to tell. To start your story, find the list of open positions on our careers page. We welcome applicants of all genders, ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds to apply.