The Volkswagen Group is realigning the development of its management. In future, the Group will be aiming for managers with a broader experience profile. Among other things, greater priority will be given to foreign assignments and knowledge gained in different business areas and brands. The objective is to foster internationality, diversity and a change of perspective. Female managers are to gain the experience and capabilities they need for appointment to top management positions faster.
“Digitalization, connectivity and e-mobility will fundamentally change our industry. This is why we are realigning our management culture in good time,” said Dr. Karlheinz Blessing, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft responsible for Human Resources. “Diversity and international experience will be more important for management than ever before. We will promote a culture of discussion and decision-making, accept that errors are made, support self-correction, strengthen entrepreneurial thinking and action, encourage agility and reinforce overarching cooperation throughout the Group.”
“In future, English is to be the Group language,” Blessing added. This will improve access to the top management level for international top performers and cooperation among top managers. As a globally positioned Group, we need the best people in the world.” In addition, international assignments and experience in different markets and business areas will be taken into consideration in future appointments. In a transitional phase up to the end of 2021, the criteria will be taken as guidelines, after which they will become binding.
Blessing emphasized: “We want managers to cooperate in the overall interests of the Group and leverage the potential available within this great company with comprehensive knowledge and a concerted effort.”
