Volvo appoints Škoda CEO Klaus Zellmer as new President and CEO

Volvo Cars has announced a major change at the top, with Škoda CEO Klaus Zellmer set to join the company as its new President and CEO. Klaus Zellmer will take up the role no later than 1 October 2027.

Zellmer, who has more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, will succeed current Volvo Cars CEO Håkan Samuelsson.

Samuelsson returned to Volvo in April 2025, taking charge for a second time as the company faced major changes in the global car market. He will continue to work closely with the Board to ensure a seamless transition. 

Porsche, Volkswagen and Škoda

Klaus Zellmer, now 59, spent 20 years at Porsche, holding several senior positions including CEO of Porsche Germany and Porsche North America.

He moved to the Volkswagen Group in 2020, joining the passenger cars division's board with responsibility for sales and marketing.

In July 2022, he became CEO of Škoda Auto. Under Zellmer, Škoda recorded growth in both sales and financial performance last year. The brand also saw BEV deliveries rise 48.3% year on year in the first half of this year, reaching 10,820 units.

Volvo Cars chairman Eric Li 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."

Volvo faces a changing market

Zellmer will take over as the automotive industry continues its shift towards electrification, while carmakers face pressure on both sales and profits.

Volvo recently announced plans to launch 13 all-new models by the end of 2030, covering battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains.

The company says the new models will be tailored to different regional markets, rather than following a single global product strategy.

Read Also: Volvo plans 13 new models by 2030, tailored to different markets

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."

"I look forward to contributing to the company's continued development and to shaping its next chapter together."

For Volvo, Zellmer's appointment comes with the chance to bring a different perspective to a brand at a major turning point. As the company expands its line-up and moves further into electrification, his experience could play an important part in shaping where Volvo goes next.