The CEO of the Volkswagen automobile concern Herbert Diess leaves. He agreed with the company’s supervisory board that he will leave his position on September 1. He is to be replaced by the current boss of Porsche, Oliver Blume. The company announced this unexpected step in its statement today, the DPA agency reported.
–
According to the press release, the surprising departure was decided “by mutual agreement” at a meeting of the Volkswagen Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board thanked Diess for his great contributions to the transformation of the concern.
Diess’s future at the head of one of the most prominent global firms was in jeopardy several times during his four-year tenure, Reuters recalled. Most recently, the 63-year-old manager clashed with the company’s executive board over his electrification strategy and management style last fall.
–
–
His departure comes as the company pushes to beat US electric car maker Tesla to become the world’s largest electric car maker. It is also preparing to list its Porsche sports car brand.
“After a really stressful first half of 2022, many of us are looking forward to a well-deserved summer break,” Diess wrote on LinkedIn before announcing his departure.
“I will focus on customers, brands and products,” said the fifty-four-year-old Blume, who is to replace Diesse at the head of the concern, which also includes the Czech automaker Škoda Auto, from September. According to the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Hans Dieter Pötsch, the new head of Volkswagen should, together with the entire executive board, continue to promote the transformation in a team spirit.
–
