Kjell Gruner Appointed CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, Set to Begin December 12, 2024

Kjell Gruner Appointed CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, Set to Begin December 12, 2024

(IN BRIEF) Kjell Gruner has been named President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America and CEO of the Volkswagen Brand North America, effective December 12, 2024. He replaces Pablo Di Si, who stepped down, with interim leadership by Gerrit Spengler, CHRO of Volkswagen Group of America. Gruner, a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in the automotive sector, is praised for his expertise in the U.S. market. Volkswagen executives highlighted the North American market’s strategic importance, with recent vehicle deliveries showing strong growth. Gruner’s leadership will focus on advancing regional production, e-mobility, and sustainable growth strategies tailored to North American customer needs.

(PRESS RELEASE) WOLFSBURG, 20-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The Volkswagen Group has announced that Kjell Gruner will assume the role of President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, as well as CEO of the Volkswagen Brand North America, starting December 12, 2024. Gruner steps into the position following the departure of Pablo Di Si, who left the role at his own request. Until Gruner officially takes the helm, Gerrit Spengler, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for Volkswagen Group of America, will serve as interim CEO.

Volkswagen executives have expressed strong confidence in Gruner’s appointment. Gunnar Kilian, Group Board Member for Human Resources at Volkswagen AG, praised Gruner’s extensive expertise in the U.S. market, noting his proven ability to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities. “With over 25 years in the automotive industry, Gruner’s experience will play a pivotal role in advancing our North American strategy,” Kilian said, while also acknowledging the significant contributions of outgoing CEO Pablo Di Si. Kilian highlighted Di Si’s critical role in reshaping Volkswagen’s business in South America and laying the groundwork for progress in the North American market.

Arno Antlitz, CFO and COO of Volkswagen Group, emphasized the strategic importance of the North American region, which encompasses Canada, Mexico, and the United States. “This region is a cornerstone of our global strategy. Kjell Gruner’s deep understanding of market dynamics and customer preferences makes him uniquely equipped to drive our growth in the region,” Antlitz stated. He also commended Di Si and his team for their lasting contributions to strengthening Volkswagen’s position across the Americas.

Recent performance figures underscore the Group’s momentum in North America. Vehicle deliveries in the region grew by over 7% in the first nine months of the year, with the U.S. market alone recording a 1.5% increase. Deliveries of Volkswagen-brand vehicles surged by an impressive 21.7% year-over-year during the first three quarters. This growth was achieved despite industry challenges, highlighting the company’s resilience and strategic adaptability.

Volkswagen’s robust portfolio—spanning efficient combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles—has been key to meeting evolving consumer demand while maintaining its long-term commitment to electromobility. To support this transition, the Group has made significant investments over the past decade. These include the establishment of cutting-edge battery production facilities, the development of North America-specific vehicle architectures, and the expansion of local assembly and component manufacturing capabilities. Strong partnerships with regional suppliers further bolster Volkswagen’s efforts to sustainably implement its e-mobility strategy in the region.

About Kjell Gruner

With a career spanning more than 25 years, Kjell Gruner brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his new role. He began his professional journey in 1997 as a consultant with the Boston Consulting Group. Gruner later held key positions at Porsche AG and DaimlerChrysler AG, including heading the strategy department for Mercedes-Benz Cars. In 2010, he returned to Porsche as Global Chief Marketing Officer and, in 2020, became President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. Most recently, Gruner served as Chief Commercial Officer and President of Business Growth at Rivian Automotive, Inc., further demonstrating his ability to lead in dynamic and competitive markets.

Gruner’s appointment signals a new chapter for Volkswagen Group of America, with a focus on leveraging his extensive experience to build on the company’s current momentum and drive its ambitious growth strategy in North America.

Media Contacts:

Maleen Bösenberg
Corporate Communications
Spokesperson People & HR
+49 (0) 152 29122870
maleen.boesenberg@volkswagen.de

Michael Lowder
Corporate Communications
Volkswagen Group of America
+1 202 2589281
michael.lowder@vw.com

SOURCE: Volkswagen AG