Martin leaves da haus

VW America marketing exec Kerri Martin left abruptly after her biggest supporter in Germany, Brand Chairman Wolfgang Bernhard, announced his departure, slated for the end of January.

Known as a risk-taker, Martin arrived at VW in 2004 after gaining notoriety for piloting Mini's successful re-entry into the U.S., reports AdAge. She was responsible for firing Arnold Boston - responsible for the brand-unifying "Drivers wanted" campaign - in favor of Crispin Porter & Bogusky, which immediately garnered VW instant buzz.

Whoever succeeds her will have a big job as VW continues to struggle to return to profitability in the U.S. and tries to find its brand soul after a series of ad campaigns that varied widely by model - from Crispin's "Unpimp Mein Ride" ads for the GTI to the "Safety Happens" campaign for the Jetta and Passat.

VW spent $192 million in measured media in the first nine months of 2006, according to TNS media Intelligence.