HERNDON, VA — Audi of America has promoted corporate comms head Emilie Cotter to chief communications officer.

In the senior VP role, Cotter leads US public relations, reporting to Audi of America president Daniel Weissland.

Cotter’s responsibilities include defining and leading a brand-driven communications strategy. She oversees corporate, product and lifestyle communications, as well as the automotive company’s US government affairs team.

Cotter’s role focuses on both internal and external stakeholder groups — including media, dealers, partners, and state and federal policymakers. She succeeds Tara Rush, who was promoted to CMO in December after two years as CCO.

Cotte steps into the role less than a year after joining Audi as corporate and brand communications director last September. She previously served as Marketplace’s chief brand officer and was a FleishmanHillard senior VP and partner. Earlier in her career, Cotter led Lucasfilm’s internal and external communications.