First Audi dealer principals certified in Middle East

Christian Nehme - Audi Lebanon, Aline Anastassiou - Audi Syria, Mohammad Shway - Audi Saudi Arabia, and Mohannad Al Adham - Audi Saudi Arabia, achieved the highest level of education possible at the AMA. Aline Anastassiou is the very first female to graduate as Audi Dealer Principal in the region.

The Audi Management Academy program for Dealer Principals consists of modules such as Psychology of Leadership, Strategic Planning and Resource Management. Currently 22 delegates are enrolled in the program - 15 in the Dealer Principal course and 7 in the Line Manager course. Over the last two years 55 delegates have spent more than 100 hours each on further developing their skills. An Alumni program for Dealer Principal Graduates with seminars, workshops and exchange of best practices will be rolled out soon.

The Audi Management Academy was first introduced to the Middle East in early 2010 to help improve overall business performance at Audi dealerships and to promote staff retention. The program - an extension of the already existing Audi Middle East Training portfolio - aims to develop and motivate through the creation of defined career paths, training of new and existing management, the specific development of nationals, as well as qualification rewards tailored to the business needs of Audi dealerships in the region.

To ensure effective implementation, the program starts off with a detailed audit of existing processes and management skills at the dealership and includes comprehensive follow-ups, performance reviews as well as one-on-one coaching. Candidates can enter the program on several levels starting with Audi Certified Sales or Service Manager and can reach the level of Certified Dealer Principal after a minimum of three years training and the associated evaluations. In addition to training on business analysis and planning, process management and leadership training, participants exchange best practice examples on a regional as well as on an international level.

Audi Middle East's training programs have already received official recognition: Audi Middle East's Training Centre was recently accredited as an "Approved Assessment Center" by the UK-based Institute of Motor Industry (IMI). Audi's Sales Executive Certification Program has also been IMI-approved and awarded IMI's Quality Assured Award. IMI Awards Limited is the UK's leading awarding body for the retail motor industry.