Former Audi, Mercedes exec named new Cadillac Europe boss

General Motors has appointed former Audi and Mercedes-Benz executive Felix Weller as head of Cadillac Europe as it seeks to build sales of the U.S. luxury brand in the region.

Weller, 39, will start as Cadillac Europe on Sept. 1. He will report to the brand's president, Johan de Nysschen.

Cadillac sold just 56 vehicles in Europe in April, according to data from market researcher JATO Dynamics, up from 36 in the same month last year.

Weller succeeds Andreas Schaaf, who now runs Cadillac's China operations.

As Europe chief, Weller will assume responsibility for the brand's sales, marketing, and dealer network, GM said in a statement.

"Felix has a deep understanding of the Cadillac business and the luxury market," de Nysschen said in the statement. "I look forward to having him on Cadillac's global executive team and partnering with him as we continue to grow the European business."

Weller, a German national, joined GM in 2014 as regional director of sales and marketing for Cadillac, where he was responsible for Middle East operations.

Earlier in his career, Weller held various positions in sales, strategy and dealer development at both Audi and Mercedes.