- Klaus Zellmer replaces Hakan Samuelsson as President and CEO of Volvo Cars.
- Zellmer comes with 30 years of experiance, most recently as CEO of Skoda.
- He will oversee the introduction of 13 new models over the next four years.
Volvo Cars is appointing a new CEO as it struggles to navigate a challenging time for the Swedish manufacturer. The company, which is owned by the Chinese conglomerate Geely, announced that Klaus Zellmer will become president and CEO, assuming duties within the next 12 months.
Zellmer, who has over 30 years of experience in the industry, was most recently CEO of VW Group’s Skoda, He has also spent time with Porsche, overseeing their North American car division from 2015 to 2020 as President and CEO. His experience with European brands will be key, as Volvo continues to struggle with profitability.
Read: Volvo Will Launch 13 New Models By 2030, And Not All Of Them Will Be SUVs
The company, which will be celebrating it’s 100-year anniversary in 2027, most recently announced a plan to launch 13 all-new models by 2030, with a split strategy targeting the West and China.
A New CEO For A New Era
The news of Volvo recruiting a new CEO is no surprise. Back in 2025, when now outgoing CEO Hakan Samuelsson, was reappointed, it was made clear that he would only hold the role for two years, with the company already starting the search for his “long-term successor.”
But it will be Zellmer’s job to execute the new roadmap that has been devised for the brand. The changes and challenges include doubling Volvo’s market share, rebalancing its drivetrain strategy with the introduction of more hybrids, deepening collaboration with its parent, Geely, and making the buying process more transparent with special offers and fast-delivery model variants.
See Also: Volvo’s New PHEVs Drive So Far On Electric You Might Not Use The Gas Engine For Months
Zellmer combines deep automotive expertise with broad international leadership experience and a strong record of guiding organisations through transformation and changing market conditions,” said Eric Li, Chairman of Volvo Cars. Li. “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.”
Meanwhile, Zellmer clearly appears to understand the gravity of the task that lies ahead of him, but remains optimistic while acknowledging some of the USPs of the brand:
“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. I am delighted to join Volvo Cars at such an important moment in the company’s development. I look forward to contributing to the company’s continued development and to shaping its next chapter together.”
