NEWS

Hefei/Beijing, June 1st, 2021. The Volkswagen Group is supporting the success of its accelerated e-mobility strategy in China with the announcement of Dr. Erwin Gabardi as CEO to lead strategy, management and operation of Volkswagen Anhui, effective June 1, 2021.  

“Dr. Erwin Gabardi is a proven expert that will lead the transformation of Volkswagen Anhui into a global center of competence for e-mobility,” said Dr. Stephan Wöllenstein, CEO of Volkswagen Group China. “In addition to a wealth of experience in business analysis and productivity optimization, he owns a visionary outlook that will guide the company’s forward-looking strategy. With Dr. Gabardi at the helm, Volkswagen Anhui is positioned to drive forward the Group's ambitious e-mobility solutions for China’s consumers.”

“Volkswagen Anhui is my passion, and I am very honored to take on this new role,” said Dr. Erwin Gabardi. “I have always been confident that with leading technology, a clear product roadmap, experienced management and strong talent in the workforce, we can explore new paths forward in the e-mobility era. I look forward to working with the team to make Volkswagen Anhui lead the way in developing attractive and high quality electric cars in China, for China.”

Dr. Erwin Gabardi previously served as Vice President of Corporate Strategy and General Secretary of Volkswagen Group China (VGC), where he led Group and brand’s strategic planning, and contributed to the development and steering of the Group’s “Strategy Together 2025+”. He first joined the Group in 2015 at Volkswagen AG as Head of the mach18.FACTORY Efficiency Program, in which he drove the productivity optimization in 20 Volkswagen brand plants across the globe, leveraging his 360-degree management experience.

Prior to that, he served as senior management member at McKinsey & Company for seven years, focused on automotive OEM and supplier project in Europe as well as China. Dr. Gabardi earned two doctorate degrees in Public Economic and Mechanical Engineering, with a focus in Economical Engineering, from the University of Graz and Graz University of Technology, respectively.

As CEO of Volkswagen Anhui, Dr. Gabardi will leverage decades of expertise, technical know-how and intercultural insights to ensure the future success of the Volkswagen Group’s first NEV joint venture in China.

In addition, Mr. Jörg Graf has been appointed Chief Digitalization Officer, effective May 1, 2021. Graf has more than 30 years of experience specializing in IT solutions, data management and digital transformation across plants, logistics and production in the automotive field. 

Following his 10 years of experience with Audi, Graf took the assignment with FAW-Volkswagen in China from 2014 to 2019, as Chief Information Officer and Head of Organization Development. His knowledge and expertise of digitalizing a joint venture in China has been highly valued. As Chief Digitalization Officer of Volkswagen Anhui, Graf will bring strong leadership and an innovative perspective to advance the Group’s e-mobility and digitalization. 

Volkswagen Anhui is currently constructing an all-new MEB plant, the Volkswagen Group’s third pure-electric vehicle manufacturing facility in China. The plant is set for start of production in the second half 2023, serving as a cornerstone of the Group’s e-mobility push. It is also supported by a recruitment campaign to build a strong local talent base, cultivating young talent in intensive training programs onsite and at Group facilities across Europe.

Dr. Erwin Gabardi, CEO, Volkswagen Anhui

Mr. Jörg Graf, Chief Digitalization Officer, Volkswagen Anhui