Hakan Samuelsson returns as CEO of Volvo

A familiar name has returned to Volvo Cars as the Swedish automaker navigates a pivotal time. After leaving the company years ago, the Board of Directors at Volvo Cars appointed Hakan Samuelsson as CEO and president of the company, effective April 1, 2025.

The executive will serve a two-year term to ensure stability while the company prepares to appoint a long-term successor. The change in leadership comes as Volvo Cars navigates its way through a changing automotive industry. The Board of Directors at Volvo Cars believes the company is best served by leadership with deep industrial experience, deep knowledge of our group, and a proven ability to execute in challenging environments as the industry faces fast-moving technological shifts, growing geopolitical complexity, and intensifying competition across regions.

“We are very pleased to welcome Håkan Samuelsson back as CEO. Håkan led Volvo Cars through one of its most transformative and value-creating decades — revitalizing the brand, expanding into new markets, and successfully executing its IPO. He brings a rare combination of industrial depth, strategic clarity, and proven leadership, and Håkan has a broad knowledge of our group. As the industry enters an even more complex phase, we believe his experience and steady hand are exactly what is needed to strengthen Volvo Cars’ global position and unlock its next wave of potential,” said Eric Li, Chairperson of the Board.

For Samuelsson, he is honored to come back to Volvo Cars as the industry is currently facing pressure from every direction.

“The car industry is under pressure from many directions. I’m honored to return at such a defining moment for Volvo Cars. I have deep respect for the challenges ahead and look forward to working with our talented team to sharpen our competitiveness, meet the demands of key markets, and accelerate strategic execution and focus on leadership development,” shared Samuelsson.

Outgoing Volvo Cars CEO Jim Rowan

Jim Rowan, who has served as CEO of Volvo Cars since 2022, stepped down on March 31, 2025, and will also vacate the Volvo Cars Board on the same date. Li wishes to thank Rowan for his contributions during his tenure as CEO of the company.

“It has been a privilege to lead Volvo Cars and work alongside such an exceptional team. Together, we’ve made significant progress in building a fast-growing, trusted brand and launched some of the industry’s most advanced and safety-oriented products — benefiting our customers and the broader community. I wish everyone at Volvo Cars continued success as the journey continues,” said Rowan.

“We want to thank Jim Rowan for his important contributions. His leadership over the past three years has accelerated Volvo Cars’ transition into a software-led, connected car company. His commitment and energy have built a strong foundation in digital capabilities, and we are grateful for his efforts during a time of significant change. We look forward to building on this foundation with renewed focus and industrial momentum,” added Li.

Aside from serving as Volvo Cars CEO and president, Hakan Samuelsson has also been proposed to become a new member of the Board at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.