Oliver Blume

Oliver Blume
Foto: Marco Prosch, Porsche AG, überreicht durch Diana Sänger, Public Relations · CC0 · source
Name	Oliver Blume
Birth place	Braunschweig, West Germany
Nationality	German
Alma mater	Braunschweig University of Technology
Occupation	Business executive
Title	Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Group, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG
Known for	Leadership in the automotive industry

Oliver Blume is a German business executive who serves as the Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Group and concurrently as the Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. His career has been defined by a long tenure within the Volkswagen Group, where he has held significant leadership roles, particularly steering Porsche through a period of major electrification and profitability before ascending to lead the entire conglomerate. Blume is recognized for his operational expertise and strategic focus on sustainable mobility and digital transformation within one of the world's largest automotive corporations.

Early life and education

Born in Braunschweig, a city with deep ties to the German automotive industry, Blume developed an early interest in engineering. He pursued his higher education at the Braunschweig University of Technology, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. He furthered his academic credentials by completing a doctorate in engineering from the same institution, focusing on production logistics, which laid a strong foundation for his future career in manufacturing and management. His early professional development included a stint as a consultant at McKinsey & Company, where he gained valuable strategic business experience before fully entering the automotive sector.

Career at Volkswagen Group

Blume began his career within the Volkswagen Group in 1994, joining the Audi brand in the production planning department. He held various positions in production and logistics across several Group brands, demonstrating a keen understanding of manufacturing efficiency. His roles included responsibilities at the SEAT plant in Martorell, Spain, and later at the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles division in Hanover. This extensive operational background across different brands and European locations provided him with a holistic view of the Volkswagen Group's complex industrial network and prepared him for senior leadership positions.

Leadership at Porsche

In 2013, Blume was appointed to the Executive Board of Porsche AG with responsibility for production and logistics, and he became Chairman of the Executive Board in 2015. His tenure at Porsche was marked by significant financial success and the launch of the brand's first all-electric vehicle, the Porsche Taycan. Under his leadership, Porsche achieved record profits and successfully navigated the challenges of the diesel emissions scandal, maintaining the brand's premium image. He also oversaw the development of key models like the updated Porsche 911 and the electrified Porsche Cayenne, while steering the company towards an ambitious initial public offering in 2022.

CEO of Volkswagen Group

The Supervisory Board of the Volkswagen Group appointed Blume as the new Chairman of the Board of Management, effective September 2022, succeeding Herbert Diess. In this role, he leads the entire portfolio, which includes brands like Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, Škoda Auto, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. His key strategic priorities include accelerating the group's electric vehicle rollout under the "New Auto" strategy, managing the competitive transition in key markets like China and North America, and implementing a major software development plan through the CARIAD division to enhance digital capabilities across all brands.

Personal life and recognition

Oliver Blume is known for a disciplined, hands-on management style and maintains a relatively private personal life. He is married and has children. His professional achievements have been recognized through various accolades; he was named "Auto Executive of the Year" by Automotive News in 2022. An avid sportsman, he is a passionate runner and skier, interests that reflect his focus on performance and endurance. Within the industry, he is regarded as a decisive leader focused on operational excellence and the technological transformation of the Volkswagen Group.

Category:German businesspeople Category:Volkswagen Group people Category:Porsche people Category:1968 births Category:Living people