Steven Warrick is currently the Vice President, Product Lines at Volkswagen of America, Inc., based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He has been with Volkswagen Group of America (VWGoA) for over 15 years, as confirmed via his LinkedIn announcements and highlighted by his 15-year work anniversary posted in early 2024. His role encompasses product line management with a focus on strategic development and purchasing leadership within the company’s North American region.
Warrick's academic background includes a Master of Science in International Economics and Management from ESB Business School, Reutlingen University, completed between 2004 and 2005. This education underpins his expertise in managing complex, global automotive product lines and aligning them with international market and economic trends.
Professionally, Steven has been deeply involved in managing key Volkswagen model lines, notably the Passat family model line, where he explained and justified strategic product decisions such as the choice to retain the existing platform for the 2020 Passat updates, focusing instead on styling and technology enhancements. He succinctly noted in December 2018, _"The only piece of sheet metal we didn’t change was the roof,"_ reflecting a balance between innovation and cost-effective continuity based on customer feedback.
Warrick’s leadership extends beyond product management to active participation in corporate initiatives and culture. He serves as a Co-President of the PRIDE LGBTQ+ Allies Employee Resource Group (ERG) at Volkswagen Group of America, indicating his involvement in fostering diversity and inclusivity within the company. Additionally, he has publicly celebrated VWGoA's certification as a 2024 Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute, signaling his alignment with the company’s recognition for workplace excellence.
Based out of the Chattanooga facility, which has grown into a crucial hub for Volkswagen since its opening in 2011, Warrick’s leadership contributes to strengthening VW’s manufacturing and product strategy in the U.S. Notably, the Chattanooga-made Volkswagen ID.4 has received distinguished recognition as Cars.com’s third most American-made vehicle for 2024, a point Warrick has highlighted, underscoring his connection to and pride in regional production achievements.
He has also been featured as a speaker at industry events such as the American Automotive Summit, where he participated in discussions on “Smart Bets in a Shifting Auto Game,” focusing on how Volkswagen prioritizes technology, capital investments, and competitive strategy. This points to his role in identifying and navigating market shifts amid evolving automotive technology landscapes, especially as VW emphasizes electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Steven Warrick maintains a strong professional network with over 500 LinkedIn connections and a visible presence in automotive and corporate discourse, positioning him as an influential figure within VWGoA’s product leadership echelon.
Key Professional Details:
- Current Title: Vice President, Product Lines
- Company: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
- Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States
- Education: Master of Science – International Economics and Management, ESB Business School, Reutlingen University
- Tenure at VW: Over 15 years (since circa 2008–2009)
- Notable Responsibilities: Product line management, purchasing leadership, Passat model family management, regional product strategies
- Diversity & Inclusion: Co-President, PRIDE LGBTQ+ Allies ERG at VWGoA
- Industry Involvement: Speaker at American Automotive Summit on tech and strategy
- Corporate Milestones: Advocated for VWGoA’s 2024 Top Employer certification; promotes Chattanooga manufacturing achievements, including the ID.4 EV
Steven Warrick’s combination of technical management expertise, strategic oversight of product lines, and engagement in corporate social responsibility initiatives position him as a critical leader shaping Volkswagen’s U.S. market presence with a focus on sustainable growth and innovation. His direct involvement in balancing cost, performance, and customer feedback in product development provides actionable insights into VWGoA’s priorities and decision-making processes.
