The mastermind behind Europe’s hottest new car brand is leaving Volkswagen in a shock departure

• Wayne Griffiths, CEO of Volkswagen's Spanish subsidiary SEAT and father of the Cupra brand, stepped down at his own request "to pursue new challenges." Just three weeks earlier, he told reporters his current post was a dream job and hoped to be around to see through the launch of Cupra in the United States. Could a Stellantis post beckon?

Three weeks ago, Wayne Griffiths was greedily looking forward to the June opening of Cupra’s flagship presence in the U.K. 

The...