Cellcentric, the fuel cell joint venture between Daimler Truck and Volvo Group, has announced that its Managing Director, Lars Johansson, will be stepping down from his role. Johansson, who has served as the company’s MD for four years, will be leaving of his own accord to return to Sweden, where he will take on the role of Senior Vice President at Volvo Group’s Project and Product Strategy Office. The office focuses on sustainable transport and emerging technologies, including fuel cells.
As Managing Director of Cellcentric, Johansson held a dual role encompassing both Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) responsibilities. These included overseeing marketing, communication, external affairs, and sales, as well as serving as the spokesperson for the company’s board. Following Johansson’s departure, these duties will be assumed by Cellcentric’s MD and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Nicholas Loughlan, who will also take on the role of board spokesperson starting May 1, 2025.
See also: Cellcentric Secures Land for Fuel Cell Production Facility in Germany Amid Delays
In a statement, Johansson expressed his gratitude for his time at Cellcentric, saying, “It has been 4 fantastic years at Cellcentric, and it’s with a lot of emotions I have decided to leave this fantastic team and move from Schwaben to Sweden. What we have achieved together in recent years is truly groundbreaking. I am 100% sure we are on the right way to success.” He also expressed confidence in Cellcentric’s fuel cell system, emphasizing that it is “made for heavy-duty long-haul applications.”
The company is now in the process of recruiting a successor to Johansson, with details on the timeline for the new hire yet to be disclosed.
Cellcentric, based in Esslingen, Germany, is advancing its fuel cell technology with the aim of supporting Daimler Truck and Volvo Group’s development of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks. The company’s pilot production line is already producing its next-generation fuel cell system, which has a maximum peak output of 375 kW. In January, Cellcentric announced the acquisition of land in Weilheim for a large-scale production facility, marking another step in the company’s efforts to expand its fuel cell capabilities.
See also: Cellcentric Unveils Next-Generation Fuel Cell System for Long-Haul Trucks
In line with its growth plans, Cellcentric aims to provide a comprehensive ecosystem for fuel cell systems, including maintenance and recycling. The company’s products, initially designed for Daimler Truck and Volvo Group, may eventually be sold to third parties as the fuel cell market expands.
