Porsche is undergoing a significant management restructuring, marking a pivotal moment in the company's leadership landscape. Andreas Haffner, the 59-year-old HR chief, will step down in August, making way for Vera Schalwig, 45, who currently oversees HR at Porsche's headquarters in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Simultaneously, Joachim Scharnagl, 49, will take over the procurement department from Barbara Frenkel, 62, in a move that underscores a planned generational transition within the executive ranks.
The reshuffle is part of Porsche's long-term strategy to rejuvenate its leadership team. Wolfgang Porsche, chairman of the supervisory board, emphasized the internal promotion of Schalwig and Scharnagl as a testament to the company's depth of talent. This transition follows the departure of several key figures earlier in the year, including finance chief Lutz Meschke and sales head Detlev von Platen, signaling a broader transformation within the company's top echelons.
Amid these changes, Porsche is also recalibrating its strategic focus. The automaker has announced plans to reinvest in combustion engine and plug-in hybrid technologies, alongside cost-cutting measures that include the elimination of approximately 3,900 positions in the Stuttgart region by 2029. These adjustments come in response to challenges such as sluggish sales in China, rising battery costs, and tepid demand for electric vehicles, compounded by the impact of U.S. import tariffs.
As Porsche steers through these turbulent times, the appointment of Michael Steiner, 60, as deputy to CEO Oliver Blume from July 1, further illustrates the company's commitment to stability and continuity. With a blend of seasoned leaders and fresh perspectives, Porsche aims to navigate the evolving automotive landscape while staying true to its heritage of innovation and excellence.
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