Volvo Cars Appoints Škoda Auto CEO Klaus Zellmer As New President And CEO

Volvo Cars has appointed Klaus Zellmer as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The incoming President and CEO of Volvo Cars, who currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Management and CEO of Škoda Auto, will take over the top position no later than October 1, 2027.

Zellmer will replace Håkan Samuelsson, who has led the company during two tenures: from 2012 to 2022, and again since April 2025, when he returned to develop the company’s future strategic roadmap, including its transition towards electrification.

“I am delighted to join Volvo Cars at such an important moment in the company’s development,” says Klaus Zellmer, who joined Škoda Auto as CEO in 2022 and has held several leadership positions within Volkswagen Group, including CEO of Porsche Deutschland and CEO of Porsche Cars North America.

Commenting on the appointment, Volvo Cars Chairman Eric Li said Zellmer has the experience and leadership capabilities needed to guide the company through its next phase, citing his more than 30 years of experience in the industry.

“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,” says Eric Li.

Zellmer’s appointment was announced by the Board of Directors of Volvo Car AB as the Chinese Geely Holding-owned Swedish automaker prepares for a leadership transition. Until Zellmer assumes office, Samuelsson will continue to lead Volvo Cars and work closely with the Board to ensure a smooth handover.

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