Volvo Cars has appointed Klaus Zellmer as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Zellmer, who currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Management and CEO of Škoda Auto, will assume his new role no later than October 1, 2027.
The appointment comes as Håkan Samuelsson prepares to hand over the leadership of Volvo Cars. Samuelsson, who returned as CEO in April 2025 after previously leading the company from 2012 to 2022, will work with the Board to ensure a smooth transition.
Zellmer brings more than three decades of experience in the global automotive industry. Before taking charge of Škoda Auto, he was a member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, overseeing marketing, sales and after-sales operations.
He spent more than 20 years with Porsche, where he held several senior leadership roles, including CEO of Porsche Deutschland and CEO of Porsche North America.
Volvo Cars Chairman Eric Li said Zellmer’s experience across both premium and high-volume automotive brands would be a strong fit for the company as it enters its next phase of development. He also highlighted Zellmer’s international leadership experience and track record of navigating organisational transformation and changing market conditions.
Commenting on his appointment, Zellmer said he was pleased to be joining Volvo Cars at an important point in its development. He highlighted the brand’s longstanding reputation for safety, distinctive design and clear brand identity, while noting the company’s ability to reinvent itself throughout its history.
Zellmer will take over as Volvo Cars prepares for its next chapter amid significant changes and challenges across the global automotive industry.
