Klaus Zellmer Will Become Volvo CEO by October 2027
The former Škoda leader will take control of Volvo Cars as the manufacturer pivots its long-term strategy.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Car Types
Live Poll
Do you trust legacy car manufacturers to successfully transition to electric vehicle production?
Volvo Cars has announced that Klaus Zellmer will take over as chief executive by October 1, 2027. He will succeed Håkan Samuelsson, who returned from retirement in April 2025 to lead the automaker.
Why it matters
The leadership change follows a period of share price decline and significant challenges during the company's ongoing transition to electric vehicles.
Volvo is targeting an 8 per cent operating profit margin, significantly higher than the 1.1 per cent reported in the second quarter. The automaker also plans to release 13 new vehicle models by the end of the decade.
The players
Klaus Zellmer
He is the former head of the Škoda brand and the incoming chief executive of Volvo Cars.
Håkan Samuelsson
He served as Volvo chief executive for a decade until 2022 and returned to the position in 2025.
Geely
It is the China-based parent company that owns Volvo Cars.
The details
Volvo has implemented a wide-scale restructuring plan to better integrate its operations with its parent company, Geely, and has developed a new regionalized strategy for its manufacturing plants. The company also recently secured regulatory approval to sell connected vehicles within the United States.
Timeline
Håkan Samuelsson returned from retirement in April 2025.
Volvo reported an operating profit margin of 1.1 per cent in the second quarter of 2026.
Klaus Zellmer will become chief executive on October 1, 2027.
Roadmap
This leadership transition signals a critical turning point as Volvo aligns its executive focus with the broader industry-wide transition to electric vehicles. The move aims to stabilize Volvo's market position while it competes with global rivals to scale production.
The company's plan to launch 13 new models by the end of the decade will significantly expand the range of vehicle options available to global car buyers. Customers should monitor how this restructuring affects vehicle availability and the integration of connected technology features.
The takeaway
Volvo is betting that a change in leadership will help it overcome recent financial struggles and meet its ambitious profit targets. Future success will likely hinge on the effective execution of its 13-model product rollout plan.
What happens next
Klaus Zellmer is scheduled to assume his role as chief executive of Volvo Cars on October 1, 2027.
Further reading
For more on evolving vehicle industry strategies, explore our Car Types section.
Live Poll
Do you trust legacy car manufacturers to successfully transition to electric vehicle production?
