Klaus Zellmer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Škoda Auto, will leave the company after more than four years at the helm of the Czech automaker. Mr Zellmer took charge on July 1, 2022, and has led the company through a period of transformation, international expansion and growth.
During his tenure, Škoda Auto expanded its presence in international markets and continued to develop its product portfolio as the automotive industry moved towards electrification and new mobility technologies. The company also focused on strengthening its position in Europe while expanding its activities in markets outside the region.
Thomas Schäfer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Škoda Auto and Head of the Brand Group Core, said, “Klaus Zellmer has played an important role in shaping Škoda over the past few years. A recent example is the Škoda Epiq, part of the Electric Urban Car Family. We respect his personal decision to embark on a new chapter in his career and wish him every success for the future.”
Under Mr Zellmer’s leadership, Škoda continued to broaden its international footprint and strengthen its model range. The company also worked on the development of electric vehicles as part of the Volkswagen Group’s wider electrification strategy. In his farewell statement, Mr Zellmer thanked Škoda employees for their contribution to the company’s development during his tenure.
“The past few years at Škoda Auto have been an extraordinary and defining period for me. Alongside a unique and dedicated team, we have strengthened the brand, entered new markets and established Škoda as one of Europe’s most successful automotive brands,” Mr Zellmer said. He added, “This success is above all down to the people at Škoda – their passion, expertise and commitment every single day. I would like to thank all Škodians from the bottom of my heart for this, as well as for their trust and excellent collaboration.”
Mr Zellmer said he would now take on a new professional challenge outside the Volkswagen Group. “The time has now come for me to take on a new challenge outside the Volkswagen Group. Škoda and the people behind this remarkable brand will always hold a special place in my professional life,” he said.
One of the recent products developed during this period is the Škoda Epiq, which forms part of the company’s Electric Urban Car Family. The model is part of Škoda’s expanding electric vehicle programme. Mr Zellmer joined Škoda Auto as Chairman of the Board of Management on July 1, 2022. His tenure has covered a period of changes across the global automotive industry, including the shift towards electric mobility, evolving customer preferences and continued internationalisation.
Škoda Auto is a Czech automobile manufacturer and part of the Volkswagen Group. Founded in 1895, the company develops, manufactures and sells passenger cars and operates in more than 100 markets worldwide. Its portfolio includes sedans, hatchbacks and SUVs, with models such as the Kushaq, Slavia, Kodiaq and Kylaq in India. Škoda Auto has been present in India for more than two decades and operates through Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, which manages the Group’s vehicle manufacturing and operations in the country. The company’s India operations are supported by the manufacturing facility at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra, along with a nationwide sales and service network.
