Accomplished Journalist Tom Drechsler Takes the Helm of Škoda Auto’s Communication Department

Accomplished Journalist Tom Drechsler Takes the Helm of Škoda Auto’s Communication Department

(IN BRIEF) Tom Drechsler has been appointed as the new head of the Communication department at Škoda Auto, starting from July 1. He replaces Ariane Kilian, who is temporarily stepping down due to personal reasons. Drechsler brings extensive experience, having served as Editor-in-Chief of AUTO BILD and Managing Director of the AUTO BILD Group. Kilian, an experienced journalist and communications manager, has made significant contributions to the Volkswagen Group’s internal and external communications, particularly in the shift to electromobility and battery cell production. Škoda Auto looks forward to benefiting from Drechsler’s leadership as they continue to strengthen their communications strategy.

(PRESS RELEASE) MLADÁ BOLESLAV, 26-Jun-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — ŠKODA AUTO, one of the world’s oldest car makers and Czech Republic largest private company part of Volkswagen Group, announces that effective July 1, it will welcome Tom Drechsler as the new head of its Communication department. Drechsler brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as the Editor-in-Chief of AUTO BILD and Managing Director of the AUTO BILD Group until March 2023. He will be taking over from Ariane Kilian, an esteemed journalist and communications manager, who will temporarily step down from her role at the Volkswagen Group for personal reasons.

“Ariane Kilian has had a profound impact on Škoda’s Communication strategy, leading innovative campaigns such as our electric offensive through Explore More and Let’s Explore and establishing a forward-oriented positioning for our brand. Her expertise, creativity, and dedication to Škoda have set a high bar in our industry. I respect and understand her decision to prioritise her personal life now. At the same time, I am delighted that we have secured a seasoned automotive and communication expert in Tom Drechsler to continue our path forward.” – Klaus Zellmer, Škoda Auto CEO

“I would like to thank Klaus Zellmer for his trust and our fruitful collaboration. I have full confidence that Tom Drechsler will continue to strengthen Škoda’s position in the era of electromobility. He will be backed by a strong and motivated communication team. My heartfelt thanks go out to my team and the entire Škoda family for the time I have spent in the Czech Republic!” – Ariane Kilian

Kilian assumed her position in June 2022 during the appointment of Klaus Zellmer as CEO of Škoda Auto. With a background in journalism, she has been an integral part of the Volkswagen Group since 2006, with previous roles at Burda Publishing House, Frankfurter Rundschau, and as a press representative in the German Bundestag. Kilian played a vital role in the Volkswagen Group’s internal and external communications, particularly in facilitating the Group’s transition to electromobility and battery cell production, leading the Internal Communications, Components Communications, and Technical Communications departments.

Tom Drechsler, an accomplished journalist, will assume leadership of Škoda Auto’s Communications department on July 1, 2023. His career began in Lüneburg and later saw him join Axel Springer Publishing in 1991. Drechsler held several pivotal roles, including BILD’s political editor and deputy Editor-in-Chief of BILD am SONNTAG. From August 2017 to February 2023, he served as the Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director of AUTO BILD, driving automotive topics across all BILD Group titles.

Škoda Auto looks forward to leveraging Tom Drechsler’s expertise and leadership as the company continues to advance its communications strategy and strengthen its position in the automotive industry.

Media contact:

Ariane Kilian
Head of Communications
e: ariane.kilian@skoda-auto.cz
t: +420 326 811 778

SOURCE: Škoda Auto a.s.