Volkswagen Group Executive Changes Michael Steiner

Volkswagen Group Announces Key Executive Appointments

Leadership Reshuffle Details

Volkswagen Group has revealed significant changes to its executive team, effective July 1, 2025:

  • Werner Tietz, a veteran executive, will assume the role of Group Head of R&D while maintaining his position as Executive Board Member for R&D at SEAT.
  • Tietz succeeds Michael Steiner, who will continue as Porsche's R&D Executive Board Member while being promoted to Vice Chairman of Porsche's Executive Board.
  • Both executives will hold dual roles across group and subsidiary responsibilities.

Management Endorsements

Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume praised Werner Tietz's three-decade contribution to shaping innovation capabilities across multiple brands (Audi, Porsche, Bentley, SEAT/CUPRA), particularly in sustainable materials development and electrification strategy implementation.

Michael Steiner received recognition for his outstanding work in high-performance electrical/electronic architecture, software-defined vehicles, global technology partnerships, and advancements in autonomous driving, software, and battery technologies.

Executive Profiles

Name Education/Title Career Highlights
Werner Tietz PhD in Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Joined VW Group in 1994, held key positions at Audi and Porsche (led Taycan concept development), joined SEAT in 2020 driving electrification strategies for SEAT and Bentley.
Michael Steiner PhD in Engineering, Technical University of Munich Former Mercedes-Benz product developer, joined Porsche in 2002 overseeing Panamera development, served as Porsche R&D Board Member since 2016, added VW Group R&D leadership in 2022.

Strategic Challenges & Priorities

The Volkswagen Group faces transformative challenges including:

  • Launching the software-driven SSP (Scalable Systems Platform)
  • Restructuring Cariad software division
  • Establishing new partnerships with Rivian and Xpeng

Key strategic focus areas include:

  • Software-defined vehicles
  • High-performance electrical/electronic systems
  • Global technology ecosystem development
  • Core competencies in software, batteries, and autonomous driving

Future R&D Direction

Werner Tietz will lead Volkswagen's advancements in electrification, smart technologies, and innovative materials to elevate the group's R&D capabilities.

Michael Steiner will support Porsche in deepening its R&D and management strategies to strengthen the premium brand's technological leadership.

Conclusion

These executive appointments recognize both technical experts' achievements while demonstrating Volkswagen Group's commitment to organizational and strategic adaptation in the new mobility era. The optimized R&D leadership and smooth executive transition will be crucial for achieving the group's vision as a "future mobility leader."