Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume is set to relinquish his role as chairman of Porsche's executive board from the beginning of 2026.
The move, confirmed to various German media outlets by a series of internal sources, follows mounting pressure over the 57-year-old German’s dual leadership position that has seen him split responsibilities between the Volkswagen Group and Porsche for the past three years, drawing increasing scrutiny from investors and unions.
Germany’s Bild newspaper said insiders describe Blume’s chosen successor at Porsche as “an established figure within the Volkswagen Group with strong technical credentials”. The appointment is expected to be confirmed imminently, with the new Porsche chairman likely to assume responsibilities from January.
Porsche had no further comment when approached by Autocar.
Blume's tenure at Porsche spans nearly a decade. He succeeded Mathias Mueller in October 2015 before adding the Volkswagen Group CEO role to his responsibilities in September 2022. While he has consistently defended the arrangement, citing benefits from his deep involvement in Porsche's technical operations, critics have grown increasingly vocal.
"The CEO in Wolfsburg cannot be a part-time chief and spend the rest of his time at Porsche. This situation must end," Volkswagen works council chief Daniela Cavallo told employee representatives recently.
The leadership transition comes as both car companies face significant restructuring. Under Blume, the Volkswagen Group recently announced radical cost cutting moves at its namesake Volkswagen brand, while continuing to invest heavily in new and upgraded electric models and global software development programs.
Porsche has seen its global sales falter in recent times, with demand weakening in key markets following controversial decisions made under Blume to concentrate heavily on new electric model development while axing key models such as the combustion-engined Macan and 718 Boxster/Cayman.
The succession process has been led by Porsche’s supervisory board chairman, Wolfgang Porsche, who is claimed to have overseen months of deliberations about who could return the company to its previous strength.
The selection of a younger candidate signals Porsche's commitment to a generational shift, following the recent replacement of four senior board members - chief financial officer Lutz Meschke (59) sales and marketing boss Detlev von Platen (61), human resources director Andreas Haffner (59) and head of procurement Barbara Frenkel (62) - with younger executives.
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