Volvo has sensationally poached Skoda boss Klaus Zellmer to serve as its next president and CEO.
The vastly experienced German has spent nearly 30 years at the Volkswagen Group, most of that spent at Porsche. He has been the head of Skoda since 2022, leading the Czech firm’s efforts to expand its EV line-up and spurring it to record growth and profits.
Volvo is currently led by Håkan Samuelsson, who returned to lead the brand for a second stint in March 2025 after his replacement Jim Rowan was ousted. Samuelson, 75, returned on a fixed deal, and hinted during Volvo’s recent strategy day that he had no plans to extend his term.
Volvo says that Zellmer will assume the CEO and president role “no later than 1 October 2027”, and promised a “seamless transition” between the two leaders.
Zellmer said that he was attracted to Volvo because “few automotive brands have built such a strong and lasting reputation for safety, consistently applying this core value across the mobility sector.”
Eric Li, the president of Volvo’s Chinese parent firm Geely, said Zellmer’s “experience from both the high-end premium segment and high-volume brands, is an excellent fit” for Volvo.
He added: “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 will join Volvo at a pivotal time: the Swedish firm invested heavily in full electric technology and software, but has been forced to revamp its plans due to slower than expected EV uptake. But the firm has stabilised following a challenging rollout to the EX90, ES90 and EX60 EVs, and has ambitious plans to launch 13 new cars by 2030.
Samuelsson has been one of Volvo’s most significant leaders, helping the form grow significantly when Geely bought the then-struggling brand from Ford. He was responsible for the early push to EVs before standing down but his replacement Rowan, who had no previous car industry experience, struggled, prompting his return.
