Zellmer will succeed current chief executive Hakan Samuelsson "no later than" on 1 October 2027, according to a press release from Volvo cars.

Eric Li, Chairman of Volvo Cars, said Zellmer combines "deep automotive expertise" with "broad international leadership experience."

"I am delighted to join Volvo Cars at such an important moment in the company's development," Zellmer said in the press release.

Current 75-year-old CEO Hakan Samuelsson, who has been the head of the company from 2012 to 2022 and since April 2025, announced his planned resignation earlier this week as his contract will end.