Volkswagen Leadership Crisis: HR Chief Post Vacant for 11 Months, May 30

Volkswagen has left its human resources director position unfilled for almost a year, creating a leadership vacuum at Europe’s largest automaker during a critical restructuring. After Gunnar Kilian departed in July 2025, the role has operated under temporary arrangements. A power struggle between the Porsche and Piëch families and labor representatives has blocked multiple succession attempts, threatening the company’s ability to execute a planned 50,000-job reduction.

The Succession Stalemate

Since Kilian’s exit, VW-Markenchef Thomas Schäfer has handled HR duties temporarily, with Arne Meiswinkel, the brand’s personnel chief, managing day-to-day operations. The company claims to be actively searching for a permanent replacement. In reality, internal factions have deadlocked the process. At least two rival power centers within the company are blocking each other’s candidates, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Family Versus Labor Divide

The Porsche and Piëch families are pushing for a female candidate to improve board diversity. Currently, IT Chief Hauke Stars is the only woman on the executive board. The labor side—the works council and IG Metall union—opposes this gender quota requirement. Oliver Burkhard, chief of Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, failed to secure the role after losing a required vote. An external candidate now appears most likely, though no timeline exists for a decision.

Profitability Crisis Worsens the Pressure

The leadership gap arrives as Volkswagen’s core brand faces collapse. The operating margin fell to just 0.4% in the first quarter of 2026, far below the 6.5% target. The company plans to cut 50,000 jobs by decade’s end. In May 2026, VW paid workers a one-time bonus of €1,250 despite the crisis, a result of recent wage negotiations. With Meyka rating VOW3.DE a B and forecasting €89.92 within 12 months, the stock trades at €91.82 on May 30—suggesting limited upside without operational turnaround.

Final Thoughts

Volkswagen’s vacant HR director role reflects deeper governance dysfunction at a company in crisis. The 11-month delay signals that internal politics now outweigh business urgency. Investors should monitor whether an external hire can break the deadlock and execute the restructuring plan.

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