Audi Replaces Four Board Members

As expected, Volkswagen AG’s Audi unit has replaced four management board members representing finance, sales, human resources and production. Embattled CEO Rupert Stadler will retain his post.

The overhaul was triggered by revelations about Audi’s role in VW’s diesel emission cheating scandal, coupled with the challenges of redirecting the brand amid an industry shift to electrification, connectivity and autonomous-driving technologies.

The new assignments, which had been reported last week, will take effect on Sept. 1:

            • Peter Koessler, 58, assumes control of production and logistics. He replaces Hubert Waitl, who has managed those duties since 2014. Koessler has chaired the board of directors for Audi’s Hungarian operations since 2014.

            • Wendelin Goebel, 53, will oversee human resources and organization. He takes over from Thomas Sigi, who has headed those functions for seven years. Goebel is considered a confidant of Stadler and VW Group CEP Matthias Mueller.

            • Bram Schot, 56, will head Audi marketing and sales, succeeding Dietmar Voggenreiter. Schot has held the same position with VW commercial vehicles for five years.

            • Alexander Seitz, 55, takes charge of finance, IT and integrity He replaces Axel Strotbeck, who held the post for 10 years. Seitz most recently was first vice president with VW’s SAIC Volkswagen venture in China.