Event / MMI-2006
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Driving Future Success for Škoda in the BGC
MMI 2026: The management meeting marked a strong start to the year by focusing on greater responsibility within the Brand Group Core.
The traditional MMI event took place at the beginning of February, bringing together the Škoda Auto Board, with the carmaker’s management joining online. The meeting agenda had a clear focus on future opportunities. One of the key topics was the new governance structure within the Brand Group Core (BGC), the VW Group volume segment alliance of Škoda Auto, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and SEAT/Cupra.
This new setup is designed to make each of the BGC brands stronger, faster and more connected. By streamlining responsibilities and encouraging closer cooperation, the structure enables Škoda Auto and the other brands to make decisions more quickly and act more efficiently across the VW Group. Implementation began at the start of the year and will be completed by summer.
The new Brand Group Core governance gives us something extremely valuable: a seat at the table – and a stronger voice in VW Group decisions.
Klaus Zellmer
Škoda Auto CEO
More responsibility, greater influence
The Škoda Auto Board is being refocused and strengthened under the new model to have a stronger voice in BGC-level decisions.
Production and Logistics, Technical Development and Procurement now have a direct reporting line to their respective BGC peers while maintaining their roles at Škoda Auto through the Extended Board. This means clearer communication with Wolfsburg and stronger influence for Škoda Auto, especially in areas where we have well-established expertise.
CEO Klaus Zellmer, will also serve as a member of the BGC Board, ensuring that Škoda Auto’s voice is heard and our strengths are fully represented within the VW Group.
Closer cooperation across the VW Group
The new governance model is built on collaboration, efficiency and empowerment. Each brand will continue to build on its own strengths while benefitting from shared knowledge and resources within the BGC network.
A good example of this is Procurement. On 1 February, Michael Kerschensteiner took on the role of Chief Procurement Officer for Škoda & Region East, giving Škoda Auto an even broader responsibility across the BGC.
“Škoda Auto’s procurement has been closely linked to the VW Group for decades,” says M. Kerschensteiner. “With this new structure, our responsibility and our influence continue to grow.”
Looking ahead: 2026 and beyond
During the MMI, the Board also reviewed our excellent results from 2025 and looked ahead to what’s next in 2026. The new governance structure will play a key role in helping us reach these objectives by enabling faster decision-making, stronger teamwork and greater impact across all markets.
This is an important moment for Škoda Auto. The changes within the BGC will strengthen our position and open new short- and long-term opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration.
Škoda Auto Management Structure
Brand Group Core Board
The BGC board is headed by CEO Thomas Schäfer. Škoda Auto, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, and SEAT/Cupra are represented by their respective CEOs.
Explanatory notes:
G – Company management
F – Finance, IT, and Legal Affairs
V – Sales and Marketing
S – People & Culture
E – Technical Development
P – Production and Logistics
B – Procurement
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