Klaus Zellmer to take over as CEO of Skoda Auto from July 1

Skoda Auto has announced the appointment of Klaus Zellmer as the company's new CEO with effect from July 1, 2022. Zellmer will take his place at the helm of Skoda from his current position as member of the Board of Management responsible for Sales, Marketing and After Sales of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars. Zellmer replaces Thomas Schafer who will vacate his position as Chairman of the board at Skoda from Skoda by end of June. Schafer recently took charge of Volkswagen as its new COO.

Zellmer started his professional career in 1997 as an assistant to a Member of the Board of Porsche before moving to Porsche France in 1999 to work in sale network development. He would go on to take over as Area Manager for North Africa for the company. In 2007 Zellmer took over as Head of Marketing for Porsche Germany subsequently being elected Chairman of the Board of Management in 2010. He would go on to fulfil the role of CEO at Porsche Cars North America in 2015 before he was appointed to VW's Board of management in September 2020 looking after sales, marketing and after sales.

“I am delighted that we have been able to recruit one of our most high-profile managers to Skoda Auto. Klaus Zellmer has more than 20 years' experience in the industry. During this time, he has not only distinguished himself as a leading automotive expert but has also demonstrated great strategic and entrepreneurial foresight. I am convinced that, alongside the Board team, he will do everything in his power to continue to systematically advance Skoda Auto's successful development,” said Murat Aksel, Chairman of the ŠKODA AUTO Supervisory Board.

Thomas Schafer will vacate his position as Chairman of the board at Skoda Auto on June 30.

Meanwhile VW Passenger Cars new COO Thomas Schafer is set to be appointed Chairman of the Board of Management at VW Passenger cars from July 1, 2022. Schafer took over as COO of VW after leading Skoda in on April 1. Schafer will also join the VW Group Board of Management along with heading the ‘Volume' brand group – comprising of Skoda, VW (passenger vehicle and commercial), Seat and Cupra - from July 1.

“Thomas Schafer has guided the company safely through two extremely challenging years and at the same time formulated a clear plan for the future with the Next Level – Skoda Strategy 2030. Today, Skoda Auto is more electric, digital and international than ever. Thomas Schafer has laid the foundations for a promising future for the Skoda brand by successfully launching the electric Enyaq iV and other planned e-models, taking on responsibility for regions and platforms for the Volkswagen Group and successfully implementing the INDIA 2.0 project,” Aksel said.