In a recent meeting of the VW Group and Audi supervisory boards on Thursday, it was decided to replace Audi CEO Markus Duesmann, with the transition scheduled to take place on September 1. The German magazine Der Spiegel first broke the news, which has now been officially confirmed by Audi.
Although Audi has not provided a specific reason for Duesmann’s sudden departure after approximately three years in his role, a statement from Chairman of Audi’s Supervisory Board, Manfred Döss, suggests that Gernot Döllner’s appointment as the future CEO is aimed at further refining Audi’s product strategy and strengthening its position in crucial markets.
Markus Duesmann assumed the position of Audi CEO as a successor to Rupert Stadler, who was recently convicted. His tenure was marked by efforts to address the diesel scandal and bolster technical development at Audi. Duesmann focused on propelling the company’s electrification endeavors, for which Audi expressed gratitude.
Under Duesmann’s guidance, Audi embarked on an ambitious plan to introduce over 20 new models and model revisions by 2025, with more than ten of them being electric vehicles. He described this as the most extensive model offensive in Audi’s history. However, earlier this year, Duesmann emphasized that Audi was not ready to bid farewell to combustion engines just yet, asserting that the best combustion engine models were yet to come. He also revealed plans for a new internal combustion engine (ICE) platform to run parallel to the development of electric models, set to be launched from 2024. Audi aims to achieve a complete transition to electric mobility by the 2030s, ceasing the release of new ICE models from 2026 onward.
However, concerns have been raised about the clarity of Audi’s transformation from the combustion world to electric mobility. The delays in the development of the important Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform, a joint effort with Porsche, are believed to be attributed to challenges faced by the group’s software division, Cariad. Additionally, Audi has recently fallen short of its own targets in the vital Chinese market and is lagging behind its German premium competitors in the United States.
Duesmann acknowledged these issues and personally took charge of managing the Chinese business while advocating for the establishment of an Audi plant in the United States. Unlike Mercedes and BMW, which have been producing SUV models in Alabama and South Carolina since the 1990s, Audi’s underutilized plant in Mexico has been a hindrance. However, Duesmann will not have the opportunity to address these problems further.
Gernot Döllner, Audi’s newly appointed CEO, previously oversaw overall strategy and the general secretariat of the VW Group. He also served as the head of concept development at Porsche until 2021, during which he played a significant role in the Panamera model series. Known as one of Porsche and VW Group CEO Oliver Blume’s closest associates, Döllner stepped into the spotlight when he succeeded Herbert Diess in a surprise move in the summer of 2022. While the Group referred to the transition as a “mutual agreement,” insiders characterized it as an “outright sacking,” as Diess’ confrontational leadership style had jeopardized cohesion within the Group. Döllner is highly regarded by the Supervisory Board for his exceptional team-playing abilities.
Chairman Döss expressed gratitude to Markus Duesmann for his impactful contributions during his tenure at Audi, acknowledging his strategic decision-making, particularly in spearheading the electrification strategy. Döss stated that these foundations would serve as building blocks for Audi’s future endeavors.
The forthcoming changes in leadership will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of Audi. Gernot Döllner is set to assume the role of Audi CEO in September and expressed his honor and enthusiasm for the opportunity. He regards Audi as a remarkable company with a rich history and eagerly anticipates collaborating with the entire Audi team to shape the company’s future.
As Audi prepares for a transition in leadership, industry observers eagerly await the strategic direction and innovative initiatives that will be introduced under Gernot Döllner’s stewardship.
