VW Drops Gunnar Kilian as Head of Human Resources
Volkswagen AG has announced the departure of Gunnar Kilian, one of the youngest DAX board members and a key figure in the company's operations, following a unanimous decision by the Supervisory Board. Kilian, who has been with Volkswagen since 2000, held various important positions, including labor director on the group board and the commercial vehicles ("Trucks") division.
The works council, led by Daniela Cavallo, has expressed both praise and disagreements regarding Kilian's tenure. Cavallo lauded Kilian as an outstanding diplomat who skillfully navigated through turbulent times, particularly in resolving the wage disputes last winter. However, the works council also highlighted fundamental disagreements on central issues of the company.
Kilian's tenure was marked by major challenges, including the diesel crisis, digital transformation, and the coronavirus pandemic. He was instrumental in the reduction of tens of thousands of jobs during his time at Volkswagen, a move that was agreed upon with the works council as part of a restructuring program aiming for a reduction of almost a quarter of German jobs by 2030.
Thomas Schäfer, the VW brand CEO, will temporarily take over Kilian's roles on the group board and as labor director. Arne Meiswinkel will handle the operational tasks. The works council has evaluated this interim solution as stable.
The search for a permanent successor to Gunnar Kilian is focused on finding someone who embodies transformation and renewal. Traditionally, the initiative for proposals to fill this key position lies with the employee side, as stated by Daniela Cavallo. Lower Saxony's Minister President Olaf Lies expressed regret over the end of Kilian's term as personnel director, praising him as a "wise and highly respected strategist" who always acted "cautiously and in the interest of the company and its employees."
It remains to be seen how the personnel renewal will affect the further course of the company during the works vacation in Wolfsburg. The works council sees this as a crucial period for the company's future, and they are hopeful for a positive outcome.
Other members of the Supervisory Board are now tasked with overseeing the finance and business operations of Volkswagen, given Gunnar Kilian's departure. During his tenure, Kilian played a crucial role in managing both the financial aspects of the business and significant restructuring initiatives, including job reductions and digital transformation.
