Geely rep becomes Volvo board member

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd., one of the fastest-growing car manufacturers in China, has announced the top positions in the new board of directors at Volvo Car Corporation, pending completion of the acquisition of the company from Ford Motor Company. The deal is anticipated to be completed within Q3 2010.

It has been announced that Li Shufu, Geely Chairman, will become Chairman of the Board at Volvo Car Corporation, pending completion of the acquisition, while Hans-Olov Olsson has been named as Vice-Chairman at Volvo Cars. Mr Olsson is a former President and Chief Executive of the Swedish car maker.

Li Shufu said: “We have made significant progress in assembling the team that will develop Volvo Cars under Geely’s ownership. Today’s board appointments underline my personal commitment to this famous company.”
The announcement follows the separate disclosure by Ford Motor Company that Stephen Odell, currently CEO of Volvo Cars, will become Chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe.

Ford also named Stuart Rowley, Chief Financial Officer of Volvo Cars, as the new chief financial officer, Ford of Europe. Both executives will remain in their current roles until completion of the Volvo Cars transaction.

Under the proposed change of ownership, Volvo Cars will remain headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, with management autonomy to execute on its business plan. As part of that business plan, Volvo Cars aims to strengthen its presence in Europe and North America, while exploiting new growth opportunities in China.
The company also plans to extend its industry-leading position in the fields of vehicle safety, fuel efficiency and environmental technology.

Li Shufu added: “The dual roles of Chairman and Vice-Chairman will combine my own knowledge and network from the Chinese market with Hans-Olov Olsson’s extensive international experience from the automotive industry and Volvo Cars.”

Further management and board appointments at Volvo Car Corporation, including a new Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer, will be announced prior to completion.

Chairman Li thanked Mr Odell and Mr Rowley for their contribution to Volvo Cars in recent years, ensuring a sound product and financial platform for the company as it prepares for the next stage of its development.