Shift in Volkswagen's Board of Supervisors
Volkswagen AG has announced changes to its Supervisory Board, with Susanne Wiegand set to take over the vacant seat left by Marianne Heiß, effective July 5, 2025.
Marianne Heiß, who has been a member of the Supervisory Board since February 14, 2018, has made significant contributions to the board, particularly in the areas of environment, social, and governance (ESG). She has also enriched the work of the Supervisory Board with her extensive knowledge in corporate management, strategy, branding, and finance and accounting.
Heiß, known for her integrative personality, has served on the audit committee of Volkswagen AG and has made valuable contributions to the board's financial reporting, risk management, and oversight of internal and external audits. Hans Dieter Pötsch, the chairman of the Supervisory Board, thanked Heiß for her "excellent, trusting, and long-term cooperation."
Susanne Wiegand, a senior executive with over two decades of experience in leading roles within both international listed and family-owned companies, primarily in the defense, engineering, and shipbuilding industries, is set to take Heiß's place. Wiegand's expertise in various industries may bring new perspectives to the Supervisory Board.
Wiegand is recognised for her considerable expertise in growth strategies, initial public offerings (IPOs), transformation processes, and industrial markets, as well as in risk management, compliance, and export control. Her appointment as the new chair of the audit committee underscores her governance credentials and places her at the heart of Volkswagen’s corporate governance structure.
Wiegand's background in human resources and labor relations also highlights her ability to shape organizational culture and manage stakeholder expectations, crucial aspects of modern corporate governance. She emphasises values such as trust, transparency, and agility in leadership, which are increasingly recognised as vital for effective governance and organisational resilience.
The changes in the Supervisory Board will take effect on July 5, 2025, as Volkswagen AG announced in a press release. With Wiegand's diverse background and expertise, the Supervisory Board is expected to benefit from her insights and leadership, further strengthening the company's corporate governance structure.
Susanne Wiegand's extensive experience in various industries, particularly defense, engineering, and shipbuilding, will bring new perspectives to the Supervisory Board's discussions about business and finance. With her comprehensive understanding of growth strategies, risk management, and corporate governance, including her appointment as the new chair of the audit committee, Wiegand's leadership is expected to reinforce Volkswagen AG's business and industry strategies.
