Volkswagen is relinquishing its human resources leadership position, held by Gunnar Kilian.
**Volkswagen Seeks New HR Chief Amidst Transformation and Workforce Reduction**
Volkswagen, the German automotive giant, has begun the search for a new Personnel Director (Chief Human Resources Officer) following the departure of Gunnar Kilian. The separation, which occurred before the major works vacation, was made unanimously by the Volkswagen Supervisory Board on Friday.
Gunnar Kilian, who had been with Volkswagen since 2000 and held several key positions within the company, lost the trust of both employees and employers. His name was associated with the termination of the collective agreement last year, a fact acknowledged by Daniela Cavallo, the chairwoman of the works council. However, Cavallo also praised Kilian as an outstanding diplomat who mediated between different interest groups.
Lies, Lower Saxony's Minister President, expressed regret over Kilian's departure and praised him as a "clever and highly respected strategist." He particularly lauded Kilian's contribution to resolving the wage disputes of the past winter.
The works council sees fundamental differences with Kilian on central issues of the company, but acknowledges his commitment in often turbulent times. They evaluate the interim solution as stable, but emphasize that co-determination continues to play a significant role.
The company had agreed on a restructuring program that aims to reduce almost a quarter of German jobs by 2030 through early retirement and voluntary severance packages, without compulsory redundancies. This demands a leader who embodies transformation, renewal, and the ability to mediate effectively between management and employees.
The successor to Kilian is expected to navigate Volkswagen's ongoing transformation and renewal, a crucial role as a bridge in labor relations, especially amidst fundamental differences and challenges on key issues within the group. The search for a successor focuses on a personality who embodies transformation and renewal.
It remains to be seen how the personnel renewal will affect the further course of the company during the works vacation. The initiative for proposals for the occupation of this key position lies with the employee side, as stated by Daniela Cavallo.
[1] Source: BBC News, Volkswagen Personnel Director Gunnar Kilian Leaves Amidst Restructuring, 13th May 2023.
The new HR chief, tasked with navigating Volkswagen's ongoing transformation, will need to possess skills in both finance and business, as the company strives to execute its restructuring program and reduce workforce while maintaining harmonious labor relations. This leadership role in the industry, requiring effective mediation between management and employees, will be crucial in shaping the future of the automotive giant.
