AVL Names Alexander Kraus COO of Instrumentation & Test Systems After Restructuring
AVL appoints Alexander Kraus as COO of its Instrumentation & Test Systems unit and secures financing through 2028, marking a new phase after restructuring.
- around 12,000
- more than 90
- over 45
- end of 2028
What Happened
AVL List, a leading mobility technology company for development, simulation, and testing in automotive, aviation, marine, and energy, is realigning the management of its Instrumentation & Test Systems (ITS) business unit. Alexander Kraus will be appointed Chief Operating Officer as of July 2026, following the successful restructuring of AVL Group's financing and a leadership transition within ITS. AVL thanked the previous managing directors for their many years of dedication. The company employs around 12,000 people at more than 90 locations and over 45 tech and engineering centers.
Kraus brings international leadership experience at the intersection of technology, regulation and innovation. As Chief Technology Officer of the TÜV SÜD Mobility Division for many years, he was responsible for global innovation and digitalisation programmes and shaped the standardisation and regulation of software-driven mobility solutions. Since July 2025, he has been Managing Director of AVL Deutschland GmbH and Global Head of SDV & AD Homologation, overseeing global approval strategies for software-defined and highly automated vehicles.
Kraus has been Managing Director of AVL Deutschland GmbH and Global Head of SDV & AD Homologation.
AVL announces the leadership realignment and the conclusion of financing negotiations.
Kraus becomes COO of the Instrumentation & Test Systems business unit.
Existing and planned financing is safeguarded.
“The Instrumentation & Test Systems division has exceptional technological expertise, strong international customer relationships and plays a central role in AVL's strategy. Software-defined vehicles and new powertrain technologies require the most precise measurement, intelligent validation and scalable test solutions. This is where significant opportunities lie. I look forward to working with the”
“Alexander Kraus combines a deep understanding of technology with international management experience. At a time when software, automation and new mobility concepts are transforming our industry, he will play a key role in advancing our ITS business. His expertise strengthens our position as a leading technology partner to the mobility industry.”
At the company level, AVL concluded negotiations with its Austrian and international financing partners on the implementation of the AVL Group's restructuring program. The agreement includes the restructuring and safeguarding of existing financing until the end of 2028, and financing was concluded to ensure AVL's planned financing requirements until then. The financing partners' commitment underlines their confidence in AVL's future viability, technological strength, and long-term competitiveness. The restructuring continues according to plan, allowing targeted investments in innovation, research and development, and international growth opportunities.
- Electrification
- Software
- Artificial intelligence
- Automation
Why this matters
AVL is a leading mobility technology company whose testing and simulation tools are used across automotive, aviation, marine, and energy. The appointment of a COO with expertise in software-defined and highly automated vehicles, plus financing secured through 2028, signals stability and continued investment in innovation for customers and partners undergoing electrification and digital transformation.
Terms in This Story
- COO
- Chief Operating Officer; the executive responsible for day-to-day operations of a company or business unit.
- SDV
- Software-defined vehicle; a vehicle whose features and functions are primarily controlled by software rather than traditional hardware.
- Homologation
- The process of certifying that a vehicle meets regulatory standards for sale and use.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.