Skoda's CEO heads to Volvo after turnaround success in Europe
Klaus Zellmer, who transformed Skoda from struggling to second in European sales, will take over as Volvo's CEO in October 2027.
Klaus Zellmer is leaving Skoda to become the next CEO of Volvo Cars, starting October 1, 2027. A non-compete clause in his Skoda contract will likely delay his start by over a year.
Zellmer has been Skoda's CEO since mid-2022 and turned the brand into the Volkswagen Group's brightest spot. Skoda's sales jumped from 731,100 in 2022 to 1.05 million in 2025, with an operating profit margin of 8.2 per cent last year.
By contrast, the entire Volkswagen Group managed only 4.6 per cent, expected to fall to around one per cent in 2026. Skoda climbed from tenth place in European sales to second in the first half of 2026.
Volvo's current CEO Håkan Samuelsson was brought back last year to steady the ship while finding a long-term successor.
- 731,100
- Skoda sales 2022
- 1.05 million
- Skoda sales 2025
- October 1, 2027
- Zellmer's start date
- 8.2 per cent in 2025
- Skoda's profit margin
Why it mattersZellmer's success turning Skoda around shows his track record in guiding troubled brands through change. Volvo is preparing to hand him responsibility for rebuilding after years of struggle.
AustraliaVolvo cars are sold in Australia; leadership changes at major automakers affect product strategy, local pricing and investment in Australian markets.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 d ago
