Klaus Zellmer, a former senior executive at Porsche, has been announced as Skoda’s new chairman of the board, replacing Thomas Schäfer as of July 1.
Zellmer, currently director of sales, marketing and aftersales for the Volkswagen brand, joined Porsche in 1999, leaving for a six-year stint at Daimler in 2004 before returning to Porsche as director of marketing.
His most recent role with the sports car brand was president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, a role he left in 2020 for his final job at Volkswagen.
His appointment to head Skoda comes as chairman and COO Schäfer leaves at the end of June to lead the Volkswagen brand, succeeding Ralf Brandstätter, who will now oversee the Volkswagen Group’s Chinese operations.
Zellmer will be bigger with Skoda’s ambitious Next Level transformation strategy, under which it will expand its range of electric cars, reduce fleet emissions and radically revamp its design language.
From September, Skoda will launch an all-new brand identity called Modern Solid, which it describes as “the most dramatic change” for the brand since joining the Volkswagen Group in 1994.
Murat Aksel, Acting Chairman of Skoda’s Board of Directors, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to recruit one of our most prominent managers at Skoda Auto.
“Klaus Zellmer has over 20 years of industry experience. During this time, he has not only distinguished himself as a leading automotive expert, but has also shown great strategic foresight. and entrepreneurial.
“I am confident that alongside the board team, he will do everything in his power to continue to systematically advance the successful development of Skoda Auto.”
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-04-04 09:27:23
