ROCKLEIGH, N.J. (Jan. 10, 2012) - John Maloney, who officially assumed the role of president and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America (VCNA) last month, has made two changes to the management team of Volvo's U.S. operation, effectively immediately.
Tassos Panas, most recently VCNA's executive vice president, sales operations, becomes vice president, marketing and product planning, a role previously held Maloney.
Greg Swetoha joins VCNA as executive vice president, sales operations, the position previously held by Panas. In his new position, Swetoha will be responsible for overseeing all regional operations in the United States, variable marketing, fleet, network and distribution.
Panas, 44, began his career in 1989 with Ford of Australia. He transferred to Jaguar Cars of North America in 1993 and progressed through a number of significant management positions with Jaguar and Land Rover.
In 2005, he joined VCNA as regional vice president for the Northeast region, and was named executive vice president, sales operations, in 2008. He was instrumental in the creation of Volvo's Safe + Secure Coverage Plan which has proven to be a significant factor in Volvo's increased sales. The Safe + Secure Coverage Plan provides new-car buyers with several complimentary benefits for five years/50,000 miles.
Born in Australia of Greek immigrant parents, Panas became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2011. He holds a mechanical engineering degree with honors from the University of Melbourne and earned an MBA from the University of Melbourne's Melbourne Business School. He is married with three children.
Swetoha, 45, is a 24-year veteran of the auto industry, having held several positions in sales, field operations and marketing. He's been with Volkswagen of America since 2008, most recently as director of its Eastern region.
Before Volkswagen, he spent 20 years with Chrysler and DaimlerChrysler, starting as a district sales manager and working his way up to senior manager, dealer development.
A native of Pittsburgh, Swetoha earned a business degree from University of Dayton and an MBA from Michigan State University.
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