8:50 am, September 21, 2026
Skoda boss Klaus Zellmer is to become the new president and CEO of Volvo Cars.
The experienced automotive boss will make the switch after serving as chairman of the board of management and CEO at Skoda Auto.
Zellmer has more than 30 years’ experience in the automotive industry and will replace Hakan Samuelsson, who returned to Volvo last year to steady the ship and develop a new strategic roadmap.
Samuelsson previously led the company for a decade between 2012 and 2022 before returning for a second stint in April 2025 amid what Volvo described as ‘very challenging times’ for the automotive industry.
The company said his return was intended to provide stability while it searched for a long-term successor. That search has now ended with the appointment of Zellmer.
Eric Li, chairman of Volvo Cars, said: ‘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.’
Zellmer arrives after record Skoda results
Zellmer, 59, has led Skoda during a successful period for the Czech manufacturer.
The company delivered record results in 2025 and followed that with further growth and record electric vehicle deliveries during the first half of 2026.
Before taking charge at Skoda, Zellmer was a member of the board of management at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, where he was responsible for marketing, sales and aftersales.
He had previously spent more than two decades at Porsche, including spells as CEO of Porsche Deutschland and Porsche North America.
Zellmer said: ‘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.’