The board of Volvo Cars appointed Klaus Zellmer as the new president and CEO on September 20, 2026. Zellmer, who has served as the head of Skoda Auto since 2022, will officially succeed Håkan Samuelsson by October 1, 2027. During the transition period, Samuelsson will continue to lead the company to ensure operational stability.
Zellmer brings extensive experience from the Volkswagen Group, where he spent 28 years, including leadership roles at Porsche and on the board of Volkswagen Passenger Cars. His tenure at Skoda was marked by record financial results in 2025 and record electric vehicle deliveries in the first half of 2026.
Volvo is currently preparing for a major product expansion, aiming to release 13 new or updated models by 2030, with seven models designated for Western markets and six for China. The company has recently adjusted its strategy to include a broader mix of hybrid and electric vehicles alongside the return of wagon models to its lineup.
Håkan Samuelsson, who returned to Volvo in April 2025 following the departure of Jim Rowan, will work with the board to facilitate a seamless leadership handover. The company stated that there will be no changes to day-to-day operations or the current leadership structure until Zellmer formally assumes his new position.
