Hakan Samuelsson To Return As Volvo Cars CEO For Two-Year Term

Volvo Cars' Board of Directors has appointed Hakan Samuelsson as the new Chief Executive Officer and President. He will take over the role on April 1, 2025, for a two-year term. Samuelsson will be proposed as a new member of the Volvo Cars Board at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

Samuelsson has previously served as Volvo Cars' CEO from 2012 to 2022. Under his leadership, the company underwent significant structural changes, including its repositioning in the global automotive market and a public listing. He also held the position of Chairperson at Polestar until 2024.

Jim Rowan, who has served as CEO since 2022, will step down on March 31, 2025, and leave the Volvo Cars Board on the same date. The company has not yet announced details about its search for a long-term CEO.

Hakan Samuelsson, said, “The car industry is under pressure from many directions. I’m honored to return at such a defining moment for Volvo Cars. I have deep respect for the challenges ahead and look forward to working with our talented team to sharpen our competitiveness, meet the demands of key markets, and accelerate strategic execution and focus on leadership development.”

Volvo Cars faces evolving industry conditions, including technological advancements, geopolitical uncertainties and increasing competition. The Board has emphasized the need for leadership with industry experience and a strong understanding of the company’s operations to navigate these challenges.

Jim Rowan, said, “It has been a privilege to lead Volvo Cars and work alongside such an exceptional team. Together, we’ve made significant progress in building a fast-growing, trusted brand and launched some of the industry’s most advanced and safety-oriented products — benefiting our customers and the broader community. I wish everyone at Volvo Cars continued success as the journey continues.”