Volkswagen backs Pötsch for another term as chairman amid EV push

A decade of bold moves: Pötsch's leadership reshaped Volkswagen. Now, shareholders decide if he'll drive the next chapter of its electric revolution.

, and Administrator

2026 March 20 . 9:18 PM

1 min read

The image shows the interior of a Volkswagen e-Golf, with a steering wheel, dashboard, screens,... — The image shows the interior of a Volkswagen e-Golf, with a steering wheel, dashboard, screens, buttons, seats, and glass doors. Through the glass doors, we can see other cars, buildings, trees, poles, and the sky.

Pötsch to stay VW top supervisor - Volkswagen backs Pötsch for another term as chairman amid EV push

Volkswagen's supervisory board has put forward Hans Dieter Pötsch for another term as its chairman. The 74-year-old has held the role since 2015, guiding the company through major strategic changes. Shareholders will vote on his re-election at the annual general meeting on 18 June.

Pötsch first joined Volkswagen in 2003 as chief financial officer. He served in that position for twelve years before moving to the supervisory board. His leadership since autumn 2015 has seen the company push heavily into electric vehicles, launching the ID. family in 2020.

Under his direction, Volkswagen committed €180 billion by 2027 to achieve 70% battery-electric vehicle sales by 2030. The firm also expanded its digital capabilities, establishing the Car.Software division and partnering with Rivian in 2024. Global growth followed, with stronger operations in China, North America—including the revival of Scout Motors—and India, targeting over 10 million annual deliveries by 2025. The nomination committee's proposal now awaits shareholder approval at the upcoming meeting.

If re-elected, Pötsch will continue overseeing Volkswagen's shift towards electrification and digital innovation. The decision rests with shareholders, who will cast their votes in mid-June. His tenure has already shaped the company's direction for the next decade.