The Czech carmaker, Skoda Auto, announced the appointment of Klaus Zellmer, the current Volkswagen brand Board member responsible for Sales, Marketing and After Sales, as the new Chairman of the Board of Management of Skoda Auto w.e.f July 1, 2022.
Zellmer will take over the position from Thomas Schäfer, who will take over as Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand while moving up to the Group Board of Management and becoming Head of the ‘Volume’ brand group.
As Chief Operating Officer, Schäfer has also been in charge of the Volkswagen brand’s operating business since April 1, 2022, and will step down as Chairman of the Board of ŠKODA AUTO at the end of June.
Murat Aksel, Chairman of the Skoda Auto Supervisory Board, thanking Thomas Schäfer, said that he has guided the company safely through two extremely challenging years and, at the same time, formulated a clear plan for the future with the Next Level – Skoda Strategy 2030.
Zellmer, earning a degree in business administration, began his professional career in 1997 as an assistant to a Member of the Board of Porsche AG. Since then, he has remained in the company while moving places and positions.
Since September 15, 2020, he has been a member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, responsible for Sales, Marketing and After Sales.
Klaus Zellmer has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. During this time, he has not only distinguished himself as a leading automotive expert but has also demonstrated great strategic and entrepreneurial foresight.