In a surprise announcement, Volvo Cars has announced that current Skoda Auto CEO, Klaus Zellmer, is set to transition to a role at Volvo Cars as its new President and CEO, ‘no later’ than the start of next month. He takes over from current Volvo Cars boss, Håkan Samuelsson.
Executive talent moves from Skoda to Volvo next month
After a four-year stint as Skoda’s CEO, Klaus Zellmer is moving across to Volvo Cars, coming at a changing time in the Swedish brand’s electrification journey. Volvo has invested heavily in fully-electric technology so far, but recently introduced new longer-range PHEV variants of the XC60 and XC90, after pulling back on its 100% fully-electric by 2030 commitment back in 2024.
On Skoda’s side, there’s been no comment on Zellmer’s departure yet, but it comes after an impressive run for Skoda’s EV transition. The recent reveal of its flagship Peaq electric SUV proved that the Skoda brand can go further upmarket, while its more affordable Elroq finished last year as Europe’s second-best-selling EV behind the Tesla Model Y. We’re yet to see who will take on the reins at Skoda following Zellmer’s departure, which is due to take place by the 1st of October at the latest.
Eric Li, Chairman of Volvo Cars, commented on Zellmer’s imminent arrival:
“Klaus Zellmer combines deep automotive expertise with broad international leadership experience and a strong record of guiding organisations through transformation and changing market conditions. His experience from both the high-end premium segment and high-volume brands, is an excellent fit for Volvo Cars. The Board is confident that, under Klaus Zellmer’s leadership, Volvo Cars will build on its strong foundations and enter its next chapter with a clear ambition to strengthen its position as a leading premium car company.”
Klaus Zellmer, incoming President and CEO of Volvo Cars, added:
“I am delighted to join Volvo Cars at such an important moment in the company’s development. Few automotive brands have built such a strong and lasting reputation for safety, consistently applying this core value across the mobility sector. I admire Volvo Cars’ timeless, contemporary design language and the clarity of its brand identity. The company has a solid foundation and an experienced team, and I look forward to working with colleagues across Volvo Cars to build on these strengths. After almost 100 years, Volvo Cars’ ability to reinvent itself time and again is both a remarkable achievement and an ongoing challenge. I look forward to contributing to the company’s continued development and to shaping its next chapter together.”
