In future, the Product Line Small of the Volkswagen brand is to be headed by Andreas Krüger (50), previously Head of the Pre-Series Center. In this position, he succeeds Klaus-Gerhard Wolpert (60), who is retiring on October 1, 2017.
The new Head of the Product Line Mid-/Fullsize is to be Dr. Stefan Gies (54), previously Head of Chassis Development. He succeeds Dr. Elmar-Marius Licharz (47), who will be Head of the new Digitalization Finance Department of the Volkswagen Group. The new Head of Chassis Development is to be Friedrich Eichler (57), previously Head of Powertrain Development. The new appointments are to take effect as of September 1, 2017.
Andreas Krüger holds degrees in industrial engineering and electrical engineering. He started his career with Volkswagen in Wolfsburg in 1991. After various responsible positions at the Changchun (China), Curitiba (Brazil), Emden and Mosel plants, he became Head of the Product Line Small in 2008 and then Head of Body Development. In 2012, Krüger was appointed as Head of the Pre-Series Center.
Klaus-Gerhard Wolpert holds a degree in mechanical engineering and has worked for the Volkswagen Group for 33 years. He started his career with Porsche in Stuttgart in 1984. After holding various responsible positions, finally as Head of the Cayenne series from 1998, he moved to Volkswagen in 2010. He was initially Head of Group/Brand Products and became Head of the Product Line Small in 2016.
Dr. Stefan Gies holds a degree in mechanical engineering and joined chassis development with Audi in 2000, following positions with RWTH University Aachen and Ford. In 2007 he became Head of the renowned Institute of Automotive Engineering at RWTH Aachen. In 2009, Volkswagen appointed him as Head of Chassis Development.
Dr. Elmar-Marius Licharz holds a degree in industrial engineering and started his professional career with McKinsey. In 2005, he joined the Volkswagen Group, where he was initially responsible for cost analysis/module controlling. Following further functions including controlling for the A series, product line controlling and Head of Product Controlling from 2010, he was appointed as Head of the Product Line Mid-/Fullsize of the Volkswagen brand in 2016.
Friedrich Eichler holds a degree in mechanical engineering and started his professional career with Volkswagen in engine development in 1993. Following positions with Audi and Porsche, he joined Mercedes AMG as Head of Drivetrain Development in 2007. He returned to Volkswagen as Head of Gasoline Engine Development in 2013 and became Head of Powertrain Development in 2014.
