Audi has announced a significant reorganization of its Board of Management, with Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management, taking over the role of Technical Development at the German carmaker with immediate effect. This move follows the transfer of Oliver Hoffmann, the previous Board Member for Development.
Gernot Döllner, who has been CEO of Audi since September 1, 2023, has begun implementing his strategy at the company, resulting in changes to model planning, organization, and management personnel. The appointment of Oliver Hoffmann to head the brand’s Formula 1 commitment marks the first change to the Board of Management under Döllner’s leadership.
Oliver Hoffmann, previously responsible for Technical Development, will now oversee Audi’s Formula 1 involvement. The decision to reassign Hoffmann comes amid reports that he was highly respected in Technical Development but faced challenges in other areas of management, including criticism for the “years-long model gap.”
The reorganization is seen as part of Audi’s preparations for entering Formula 1. In addition to Hoffmann’s transfer, the Supervisory Boards of Volkswagen AG and Audi AG have approved the acquisition of the Sauber Group in its entirety. The Swiss Formula 1 team will develop a racing car powered by Audi’s Formula 1 engine starting in 2026.
As the person responsible for the Formula 1 project, Hoffmann will oversee all aspects of Audi’s involvement, including the investment in Sauber, the development of the power unit, and the strategic management of the commitment. Meanwhile, Döllner will take over Hoffmann’s former responsibilities and continue the transformation of Technical Development, focusing on shorter development times and more efficient structures.
“I thank Oliver Hoffmann for his tireless dedication as Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development,” said Döllner. “In recent years, Oliver has contributed significantly to the sharpening of the Audi product DNA that we are now bringing to market step by step with the launch of the Audi Q6 e-tron.”
While Hoffmann and Audi’s Supervisory Board Chairman, Manfred Döss, focused on the Formula 1 project in their statements, Jörg Schlagbauer, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Chairman of the General Works Council at Audi, emphasized the importance of maintaining technological flexibility and future-proofing Audi. Schlagbauer expressed confidence in Döllner’s leadership and thanked Hoffmann for his contributions.
