On January 5, Zhichepai learned from foreign media that after nearly a decade of joining the company, Volvo CEO and President Hakan Samuelsson will step down in March this year and be replaced by former Dyson Group CEO Jim Rowan.
Jim Rowan
Samuelsson has served as president and CEO of Volvo Cars since October 2012, after previously serving on the company's board of directors for two years before serving as chairman and CEO of the now-defunct commercial vehicle maker MAN SE. Samuelsson's contract expires in 2022, and Volvo said his successor was "selected after a thorough and diligent search process".
When Rowan takes over on March 21, 2022, Samuelsson will leave Volvo's management board but continue to serve as chairman of the electric vehicle performance brand Polestar, which prepares to list on the NASDAQ stock exchange later this year. Other than that, Samuelsson has yet to comment on any future plans.
Samuelsson said: "I am delighted to welcome Jim in his new role to continue the great journey of Volvo Cars. "I would also like to thank all of Volvo Cars' employees for the incredible progress we've made together over the past 10 years – not only making Volvo one of the fastest-growing and most trusted premium car brands, but also always innovating and leading with purpose." I wish you all the best in the exciting years to come. ”
Hkan Samuelsson
Shufu Li, Chairman of Volvo and Founder of Geely Holding Group, parent company, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Hkan Samuelsson for his commitment and determination at Volvo Cars over the past decade. Together with his management team, Hkan created an updated and robust product line that re-established Volvo as a premium future-proof brand and contributed to the successful launch of Volvo Cars. ”
Rowan is currently the owner of Ember Technologies, a manufacturer of thermally controlled kitchenware. Prior to that, he served as CEO of tech giant Dyson for three years, especially during the company's development of a custom electric car that ultimately failed to make its way into the city after being deemed commercially unfeasible.
Following the recent launch of the all-electric XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge compact SUVs, Volvo is poised to unveil its landmark all-electric successor to its largest model, the XC90, in 2022.
Volvo XC90 Recharge
"I'm excited to join Volvo Cars at such an exciting time for the company and at such a transformative time for the industry and consumers," rowan said. "Volvo Cars' proven track record in innovation, safety and quality, combined with world-class talent and inspiring sustainability and technological capabilities, makes it a leader in the road ahead."