Klaus Zellmer leaves Skoda to become Volvo CEO
Former boss of Czech company has overseen a huge period of transformation for the brand.
Volvo has announced that former Skoda boss Klaus Zellmer will become the Swedish brand’s new president and CEO.
Zellmer has overseen a transformation period for Skoda, having spent close to 30 years at the wider Volkswagen Group, including a long period at Porszsche.
He’s been head of Skoda since 2022, but will now replace Håkan Samuelsson as the head of Volvo.
Zellmer said: “The past few years at Škoda Auto have been an extraordinary and defining period for me. Alongside a unique and dedicated team, we have strengthened the brand, entered new markets and established Škoda as one of Europe’s most successful automotive brands. This success is above all down to the people at Škoda – their passion, expertise and commitment every single day.”
Zellmer has been behind some of Skoda’s biggest new releases, including a variety of electric vehicles such as the Enyaq and Elroq, alongside more recent additions such as the Peaq and Epiq.
Eric Li, chairman of Volvo Cars. “His experience from both the high-end premium segment and high-volume brands, is an excellent fit for Volvo Cars. 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.”
Samuelsson has overseen Volvo during two periods: from 2012 to 2022, and then again since April 2025.