Volkswagen Executive Deported from China in Drug Scandal: A Wake-Up Call to CEOs

Scandals are not in short supply in the automotive world, but a recent one involves the deportation of a Volkswagen executive from China for alleged drug use and is one of the more shocking stories coming out lately. The fact that this executive, once celebrated for his role in shaping Volkswagen’s iconic “Das Auto” campaign, is at the center of quite a different kind of story-one that highlights personal accountability and the consequences of bad behavior at the top-is particularly noteworthy.

From Marketing Hero to Public Disgrace

The executive had his crucial role in launching Volkswagen’s “Das Auto” campaign, which gave a major boost to the brand’s image worldwide after the Dieselgate scandal. This was someone who knew just how to frame a message so it would better meet the eye and begin to reposition Volkswagen to represent quality German engineering.

However, his recent actions have completely changed the story. In an alleged cocaine and cannabis drug scandal, after he went to Thailand, the country deported him from China. This is a huge fall from grace for someone who had helped rebuild Volkswagen’s reputation. The whole incident portrays how much personal misconduct can badly damage not only one’s career but also the company…