A new leader for Opel

Rüsselsheim, 12 June 2017

For some time was also rumored, now blew the bomb: Opel Chairman Karl-Thomas Neumann resigns from his post. The former Chief Financial Officer Michael Lohscheller follows him.

Rejuvenation at the top

We turn to the facts: the 56-year-old Neumann resigns officially resigned as the "Spokesman of the Executive Board". He remains member of the Executive Board, until the sale of Opel / Vauxhall to the PSA group is completed. This may be the case in the near future. Neumann's successor Michael Lohscheller is 48 years old and was so far "Chief Financial Officer" and Managing Director Finance of Opel.

Tough decision for 'KTN'

Karl-Thomas Neumann (internally called 'KTN') justified his move as "a difficult, personal decision." Furthermore he says: "I'm proud of the team and that, what we have achieved together. I have no doubt that Opel/Vauxhall will be even more successful and more made the change to the PSA group. I will first of all fully focus on the completion of this transaction and then take the time to decide about my personal next steps."

The right man for PSA?

Speculation is about a change of the Volkswagen Group. Neumann's departure suggests that he would have rather held under the umbrella of General Opel engine. At the top of the group, he enjoyed trust and could successfully rebuild the Opel model range. PSA Chairman Carlos Tavares, however, is considered hard refurbishers, a collaboration with Neumann was seen by experts with skepticism. Here, the financial expert Lohscheller fits better, because in the course of the takeover by PSA, especially numbers will play an important role. And one thing is also sure: Although Lohscheller officially forward to his new job, to draw up a "common future" for around 38,000 Opel employees, so the thankless task should fall to him, to announce possible factory closures and cuts jobs. (rh)

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