Volvo Cars Names Škoda Chief Zellmer Next CEO Amid Growth Push

Volvo Cars has appointed Klaus Zellmer, the CEO of Volkswagen’s Škoda Auto, as its next president and chief executive, succeeding Håkan Samuelsson. Zellmer is expected to take over no later than Oct. 1, 2027, while Samuelsson’s current contract expires in April 2027; the company has not clarified the interim leadership arrangements if the transition is delayed. The change comes as Volvo works to revive growth amid U.S. tariffs, weaker demand in China and electric-vehicle market challenges. Samuelsson has proposed launching 13 models by 2030 to expand market share, while Zellmer brings more than three decades of automotive experience, including senior roles at Porsche, Volkswagen and Škoda.