Volvo will have a new CEO at the end of March: Jim Rowan. The Briton takes over from Hakan Samuelsson, who has been leading Volvo Cars for almost ten years.
Volvo apparently thinks it’s time for new leadership. The Swedish carmaker reports that after ‘an extensive search for someone with a strong background in software and digital transformation’, the eye has fallen on Jim Rowan (photo 1). Rowan comes from outside, because he is now CEO of Ember (known for mugs that keep themselves warm) and was previously CEO of Dyson for many years, which made a name for itself with innovative vacuum cleaners. In short, someone who comes more from the tech angle and that is apparently what Volvo desperately needs. Not entirely surprising when you consider that Volvo is on the eve of a fully electric and more software-driven future.
It seems that for this reason Volvo also thanks the now 70-year-old Hakan Samuelsson (photo 2) for his services. However, Samuelsson’s previously extended contract expires this year, so the farewell does not come like a bolt from the blue for him. The Swede will remain associated with Volvo’s sister brand Polestar, where the Board of Directors will lead Polestar’s previously announced IPO in the right direction. Samuelsson is thanked by Volvo for his ‘drive and determination’ with which he has put Volvo on the map as a premium brand over the past ten years, with good cards for the future. Samuelsson will hand over the baton to Jim Rowan on March 21.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl