Volkswagen Relinquishes Role of Head of Human Resources, Gunnar Kilian No Longer in Position
Volkswagen is on the hunt for a new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), following the departure of Gunnar Kilian after over two decades with the company. The search is focused on finding a leader who embodies transformation and renewal, reflecting the company’s challenging phase of restructuring and workforce reduction without compulsory layoffs.
Gunnar Kilian, who joined Volkswagen in 2000 and held various positions including Director of Human Resources and leading the commercial vehicles division, left the company unanimously by the VW Supervisory Board. His name was associated with the cancellation of the collective agreement last year, and the works council saw fundamental differences on central issues with Kilian. However, the works council chairman praised Kilian’s role as a mediator between different interest groups.
Lower Saxony’s Minister President, Olaf Lies, expressed regret over the end of Kilian’s term and praised his wisdom, respect, and caution. Lies particularly praised Kilian’s contribution to resolving the wage disputes last winter.
In the interim, Thomas Schäfer, the Volkswagen brand chief, is temporarily in charge of the HR division on the management board. Arne Meiswinkel is expected to handle the operational tasks in the personnel department. Schäfer will temporarily take over the leadership of the personnel department and the function of Director of Human Resources.
The new CHRO is expected to play a key role in the company’s transformation by acting as a bridge between management and employees, mediating labor relations, and supporting the company’s strategic renewal efforts. The effects of the personnel change on the further course of the company remain to be seen during the upcoming works' holiday at Volkswagen’s corporate headquarters in Wolfsburg.
The works council chairman, Cavallo, believes it’s time for personnel renewal in the Director of Human Resources position. The company had agreed on a restructuring program that foresees a reduction of almost a quarter of German jobs by 2030, emphasizing early retirement and voluntary severance packages without compulsory layoffs.
| Position | Person | Role Expected | |--------------------------------|-------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | Current Interim Personnel Director | Thomas Schäfer | Temporary leadership of HR division | | Permanent Successor (vacant) | Not yet appointed | Embody transformation and renewal, mediate labor relations, and facilitate company’s strategic transformation and renewal |
- The new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of Volkswagen, upon assuming the role, is expected to play a significant part in the automotive industry's finance and transportation sectors by bridging the gap between the management and employees, mediating labor relations, and spearheading the company's strategic business transformation and renewal.
- As the automotive industry undergoes restructuring, the search for a new CHRO necessitates the finding of an individual who possesses the capacity to lead with transformation and renewal in mind, reflecting the company's challenging phase that involves workforce reduction without compulsory layoffs.
- The future CHRO of Volkswagen, in alignment with the company's objectives, will need to work closely with various stakeholders within the business, including finance, transportation, and other sectors, to ensure a smooth transition, maintain harmony, and execute the company's strategic plans in the face of industry changes.
