Polestar has announced changes to its Board of Directors and Management Team.

Winfried Vahland has been appointed to the Board as a new director.

Mr Vahland was previously CEO and President of Volkswagen Group China, Chairman of the Executive Board of Skoda Auto and a Member of the Board of Volvo Cars.

He is currently Member of the Supervisory Board of Proton Holdings.

Håkan Samuelsson, Chairman of Polestar’s Board of Directors, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Winfried to the Board. The company will benefit from his significant automotive industry experience and track-record of delivering profitable growth through a combination of successful business and product portfolio development.”

Other appointments include Per Ansgar as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr Ansgar joins Polestar on a transitional basis, while a formal search is undertaken, the brand says.

He previously held roles as CFO of Geely Sweden Holding, Deputy CFO of Volvo Cars and CFO of Volvo Cars China. He will assume responsibilities from Johan Malmqvist.

Kristian Elvefors has been appointed Global Head of Sales. Kristian brings more than 20 years  of experience from senior commercial roles in the automotive industry, most recently as Managing Director of Volvo Cars in the UK  and will assume responsibilities from Mike Whittington.

Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO, said: “I would like to thank Johan and Mike for their many years of combined service and commitment to Polestar – we all wish them well in the future. I am delighted to welcome Per and Kristian to Polestar. Their combined experience and skills will play a key role in delivering on our business plan: securing profitable growth through our growing model line-up and reaching cash flow breakeven in 2025.”

Mr Malmqvist and Mr Whittington are pursuing careers outside of Polestar, though both will remain with the brand for a time to ensure smooth transitions.

All three appointments are effective from 15 January 2024.