Škoda Auto CEO Klaus Zellmer to leave; CFO Holger Peters takes interim lead
Klaus Zellmer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Škoda Auto, is leaving for a new challenge outside the Volkswagen Group, with Chief Financial Officer Holger Peters stepping in on an interim basis.
- 10th place
- 2nd place
- 1 July 2022
- 1 June 2023
What Happened
Klaus Zellmer has informed the Supervisory Board that he intends to pursue new career opportunities outside the Volkswagen Group. Until a successor is appointed, Chief Financial Officer Holger Peters will lead the company on an interim basis, ensuring its continued strategic and operational development together with the Board of Management. Holger Peters has been a member of the Škoda Auto Board of Management since 1 June 2023.
Under Zellmer's leadership, Škoda Auto greatly strengthened its position as one of Europe's most successful volume brands. The company also achieved record results in sales volumes, revenue and profitability, consistently advanced its e-mobility strategy and accelerated its internationalisation, particularly in India and Southeast Asia. The Supervisory Board thanked him for his great commitment and his significant contribution to the continued development of the Škoda brand. Zellmer took office on 1 July 2022.
Klaus Zellmer takes office as Chairman of the Board of Management of Škoda Auto.
Holger Peters becomes a member of the Škoda Auto Board of Management; he is now CFO and interim leader.
Škoda Auto reaches second place in the European registration rankings, up from tenth in 2022.
- 10th place
- 2nd place
“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. 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. 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.”
“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.”
Previously from Skoda Auto a.s.
Today's leadership change follows another recent shake-up at the top of Škoda Auto. On 2 September 2026 we reported that the company was reshuffling its board of management, bringing in Volkswagen Group Africa boss Martina Biene while sales chief Martin Jahn departed after 20 years.
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Skoda Auto a.s.'s official releases.
Why this matters
Škoda is one of Europe's most successful volume car brands, so a change at the very top touches its workers, dealers, suppliers and buyers. The Supervisory Board credits Zellmer with moving the brand from tenth to second place in European registrations, and an interim leader now runs strategy, e-mobility and expansion in India and Southeast Asia until a successor is named.
Terms in This Story
- Chairman of the Board of Management
- The top executive role at a German-style company; the person who runs day-to-day operations and reports to the Supervisory Board.
- Supervisory Board
- The oversight body in German-style corporate governance that monitors management and appoints or dismisses top executives.
- volume brand
- A car brand that sells large numbers of mainstream, relatively affordable vehicles rather than premium or niche models.
- e-mobility
- Electric mobility: the shift toward battery-electric and otherwise electrified vehicles.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.