Michael Horn has left his role as chief executive for Volkswagen Group of America to pursue other opportunities in an agreement the company described as mutual.

Hinrich J. Woebcken will take over Horn's role on an interim basis. Woebcken was set to take over a new role as head of Volkswagen's North American region on April 1.

Horn leaves a role he began in January of 2014. Prior to his current role, Horn served as the global head of after sales at Volkswagen AG. Horn joined Volkswagen in 1990 and has held various roles of increasing responsibility within the brand over his tenure, including head of Volkswagen sales in Northwest Europe, head of sales and marketing for luxury class vehicles, and head of sales for Europe.

Horn has been the public face for the automaker during the diesel emissions scandal. He testified before U.S. Congress on Oct. 8, and spoke to journalists at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

In late September, VW's National Dealer Advisory Council went to bat for Horn to stay in his role following a report that we would be fired. The council said Horn "tirelessly fought" for North American dealers to "correct the many missteps of prior management."