Volkswagen parts ways with its head of human resources, Gunnar Kilian.
**Volkswagen Parts Ways with Gunnar Kilian as Chief Human Resources Officer**
In a significant move, Volkswagen has announced the separation of Gunnar Kilian from his role as the Chief Human Resources Officer (Personnel Director), effective immediately. The decision was made unanimously by the Volkswagen Supervisory Board on Friday [1].
Thomas Schäfer, the VW brand chief, will temporarily take over the leadership of the personnel department in the group management and the function of Director of Human Resources. Arne Meiswinkel is expected to handle the operational tasks [1].
The search for a permanent successor for Gunnar Kilian commences, with a focus on an individual who embodies transformation and renewal. The initiative for proposals to fill this key position traditionally lies with the employee side, as stated by the chairman of the group works council, Cavallo [1].
Kilian had been with Volkswagen since 2000, holding various positions within the company. He was in charge of the Human Resources department and the Commercial Vehicles division. Kilian's contract was set to expire at the end of 2026, but an extension could have been discussed soon [1].
The works council has evaluated the interim solution as stable, emphasizing that co-determination will continue to play a significant role. Cavallo expressed confidence that the transitional solution with Schäfer and Meiswinkel would be viable and that the daily work would be well continued [1].
Lower Saxony's Minister President Olaf Lies expressed his regret over the end of Kilian's term, praising him as a "clever and highly respected strategist" who always acted "cautiously and in the interest of the company and its employees." Kilian's contribution to resolving the wage disputes last winter was particularly praised by Lies [1].
However, the works council has expressed fundamental differences with Kilian on central company issues. Kilian had lost the trust of both employees and employers, leading to his separation from the company [1].
This personnel change comes at a challenging time for VW, as they have agreed on a restructuring program that aims to reduce almost a quarter of German jobs by 2030 [1]. It remains to be seen how the personnel change will affect the further course of the company, especially during the upcoming works' holiday at the corporate headquarters in Wolfsburg.
[1] Source: Unnamed Sources, July 2025.
In the midst of significant company restructuring, Volkswagen is seeking a successor who embodies transformation and renewal, following the departure of Gunnar Kilian from his position as Chief Human Resources Officer. This separation is expected to have implications for the future direction of VW's technology strategies, given Kilian's role in the Human Resources department and the company's planned reduction of jobs by 2030.
