Volvo Cars has announced the resignation of Javier Varela, the company’s Chief Operating Officer and Deputy CEO. Varela has decided to pursue a new opportunity outside the company, with his resignation taking immediate effect. Volvo Cars is yet to appoint a direct successor.
In response to Varela’s departure, Volvo Cars’ Executive Management Team (EMT) will undergo restructuring. Erik Severinson will assume the role of Chief Product & Strategy Officer, Anders Bell will become Chief Engineering & Technology Officer, and Francesca Gamboni will take on the role of Chief Supply Chain Officer. These appointments are part of Volvo Cars’ ongoing succession planning and organizational design.
Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars, expressed his appreciation for Varela’s contributions to the company over almost eight years. Rowan welcomed the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Anders, Erik, and Francesca to our Executive Management Team. This change will help us to flatten our structure in operations and elevate these important areas as we deliver on our technological and commercial transformation.”
Anders Bell’s appointment is particularly noteworthy from an electric mobility perspective. Having been Head of Engineering at Volvo Cars since 2022, Bell brings valuable experience to the Executive Management Team. Prior to joining Volvo Cars, Bell held management positions at Tesla for six years. In his current role, Bell is responsible for vehicle engineering, research and development in the areas of hardware and software, and safety.
Varela’s resignation comes after a reorganization initiated by Rowan, who himself recently took over as CEO from long-time Volvo boss Hakan Samuelsson.
