Volvo Cars has named Klaus Zellmer as its next president and CEO, setting up a gradual leadership change that will see him replace Håkan Samuelsson no later than October 1, 2027. Volvo’s board announced the appointment on September 20, 2026, and says Samuelsson will remain involved during the handover.

The transition keeps Volvo’s current leadership structure and strategy in place until Zellmer formally takes control. Samuelsson will work with the board to support what the automaker describes as a seamless transfer of responsibility.

Who is Klaus Zellmer?

Zellmer, 59, has led Skoda Auto since 2022. During his tenure, Skoda posted record results in 2025 and delivered a record number of electric vehicles during the first half of 2026, according to Volvo Cars.

His career spans 28 years within the Volkswagen Group. Before taking the top job at Skoda, Zellmer served on the Volkswagen Passenger Cars board with responsibility for marketing, sales, and after-sales. He also spent more than 20 years at Porsche, including leadership roles at Porsche Deutschland and Porsche North America.

That background gives Zellmer experience with both premium and higher-volume brands. Volvo Chairman Eric Li called that combination an excellent fit for the automaker, while Zellmer pointed to Volvo’s safety record and design language as reasons for accepting the role.

Volvo’s product and EV reset

Zellmer will inherit Volvo during one of the company’s biggest product cycles. Volvo Cars is planning its largest product offensive in 99 years, with 13 new or heavily updated models scheduled by 2030. Seven are planned for Western markets, while six will be built specifically for China.

The company has also moderated its most aggressive all-electric ambitions. Volvo previously acknowledged that it had gone too far toward a single-SUV market and is now pursuing a broader mix of hybrid and electric vehicles. That change also aligns with plans to bring wagons back to the lineup.

The strategy shift comes as the industry deals with slower EV demand and pricing pressure. Volvo has not said whether Zellmer’s appointment will lead to further changes to the executive team or the product roadmap.

Samuelsson’s second Volvo stint

Samuelsson first served as Volvo’s CEO from 2012 to 2022, then returned in April 2025 after Jim Rowan’s brief tenure ended. His return was positioned as a stabilizing measure while the board searched for a permanent successor.

Until Zellmer takes over, Samuelsson will continue guiding the company through its current plans. The extended handover gives Volvo time to maintain continuity as it launches new models, adjusts its powertrain strategy, and prepares for the next phase of its global business.