The Board of Directors of Volvo Cars appointed Klaus Zellmer as president and chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1, 2027.

The announcement comes one year after the board appointed Håkan Samuelsson to the position for a two-year term “while preparing to appoint a long-term successor.”

Zellmer has more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, most recently serving as chairman of the board of management and CEO of Czech brand Škoda Auto.

“Klaus Zellmer combines deep automotive expertise with broad international leadership experience and a strong record of guiding organisations through transformation and changing market conditions,” said Volvo Cars Chairman Eric Li.

The automaker has been owned by China-based automotive conglomerate Geely since 2010.

Prior to his position with Škoda, Zellmer worked with Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Porsche Deutschland and Porsche North America.

“I am delighted to join Volvo Cars at such an important moment in the company’s development,” Zellmer said. “I look forward to contributing to the company’s continued development and to shaping its next chapter together.”

The Swedish automaker also recently announced a company strategy update that includes a focus on profitability, regionalized product strategy, and a new electrified vehicle lineup.