Porsche has appointed Christian Friedl as its new Executive Board Member for Production, effective 1 September 2026, succeeding Albrecht Reimold. Separately, reports by German media suggest the automaker is reassessing the pace of its future electric vehicle programme under Chief Executive Officer Michael Leiters.
Porsche confirmed reporting by Handelsblatt that Reimold will step down on 31 August, several months before his contract was due to expire in early 2027.
Friedl to Lead Production
Christian Friedl, 49, currently heads Porsche’s Corporate Quality division and has held several management positions within the company’s production organisation.
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He will assume responsibility for production as Reimold retires after serving on Porsche’s Executive Board.
Reports Point to Strategy Review
According to Der Spiegel, Porsche Chief Executive Michael Leiters, who took office on 1 January 2026, has requested until early October to finalise the company’s long-term strategy.
The publication reported that Porsche intends to place greater emphasis on its heritage as a sports car manufacturer, with increased focus on exclusive combustion-engine models alongside its electrification plans.
Neither Porsche nor Leiters has publicly confirmed the reported strategic changes.
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Electric Vehicle Projects Reportedly Delayed
Der Spiegel reported that Porsche has postponed development of additional electric vehicle programmes.
Former CEO Oliver Blume had previously delayed the company’s large electric SUV project, internally known as the K1, into the 2030s.
According to the report, Leiters has also postponed an all-electric version of the Panamera until well into the next decade.
The publication further reported that Porsche is moving away from Volkswagen Group’s software partnership with U.S. electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian, although the company has not commented on the report.
Focus on Core Brand Identity
According to Der Spiegel, the reported changes reflect a broader effort to strengthen Porsche’s traditional sports car positioning while reviewing future investment priorities.
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The publication quoted an unnamed company developer as saying, “It feels like we’ve turned back the clock ten years.”
Porsche has not announced any official changes to its electrification strategy beyond the executive appointment.