Volvo announces management changes
Volvo Cars is reshuffling its leadership team as of 20 June. The post of chief operating officer and deputy CEO will be shared by Björn Annwall (previously chief financial officer) and Javier Varela (previously responsible for research and development, manufacturing, procurement, supply chain and quality).
Henrik Green, previously Head of Product Creation, will head a new unit called Advanced Technology & Sustainability, according to the Swedish company. The reorganisation became necessary for two reasons: First, the previous deputy, Lex Kerssemakers, is retiring soon after 38 years at Volvo. On the other hand, Volvo wants to adjust leadership responsibilities in order to achieve its own ambitions for growth and sustainability.
The restructuring comes after Jim Rowan took over as CEO from long-time Volvo boss Hakan Samuelsson in March. “Our strategic direction is clear,” Rowan says. “With the customer in focus we will create value through technology and product development, digital and software capabilities. That’s why we have decided to simplify our structure with clear responsibilities, and increase execution and closer collaboration across the entire business.”
In addition to Rowan, Volvo Cars’ Executive Management Team (EMT) now consists of Björn Anwall (CCO and Deputy CEO), Javier Varela (COO and Deputy CEO), Johan Ekdahl as Deputy CFO, Maria Hemberg (General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer), Hanna Fager (Chief People Officer) and Olivia Ross-Wilson (Chief Communications Officer).
Volvo no longer has a CTO (Chief Technology Officer) in the new structure. This post was held by Henrik Green between May 2019 and October 2021, before he took over as chief product officer – at that time, responsibility for research and development additionally passed to production and procurement board member Varela.
In his role as Head of Advanced Technology & Sustainability (as a member of the wider Group Management Team), Green is expected to help “cement Volvo Cars’ leadership position as a provider of enhanced consumer experiences through technology and sustainability” and build a full circular economy within Volvo Cars by 2040.
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