Skoda Auto has announced a key leadership change, with Martina Biene set to become the company's new Board Member responsible for Sales and Marketing. She will succeed Martin Jahn, with the transition scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Biene is currently serving as Chair and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa. She will bring extensive experience across sales, marketing, product planning and strategy to her new role at Škoda Auto.

Martin Jahn to Move to Volkswagen Brand

As part of the leadership reshuffle, Martin Jahn will move to the Volkswagen brand's Board of Management in Wolfsburg. He will be responsible for Sales, Marketing and After Sales.

Subject to the required approvals, Jahn is also expected to join the Škoda Auto Supervisory Board.

Jahn has served as Škoda Auto's Board Member for Sales and Marketing since March 2021. During his tenure, the company expanded its international presence, strengthened its sales organisation and introduced new battery-electric models.

Martina Biene’s Experience

Biene joined the Volkswagen Group in 2001 and has held several senior positions during her career. Her experience includes strategy, sales, product planning and marketing roles across different markets.

Her previous responsibilities have included sales management for Belgium and Luxembourg, product planning in Germany, global product marketing and leadership of the Volkswagen brand in South Africa.

Key Leadership Changes

What This Means for Škoda Auto

The appointment gives Škoda Auto a senior executive with broad international experience across the Volkswagen Group. Biene's background in sales, marketing and product strategy is expected to support the company's continued focus on international growth and customer-oriented sales operations.

At the same time, Jahn's move to the Volkswagen brand marks another significant leadership transition within the wider group.

Škoda Auto CEO Klaus Zellmer credited Jahn with making an important contribution to the company's development, including strengthening its position in Europe, supporting the introduction of battery-electric vehicles and developing a more customer-focused sales organisation.

Conclusion

The leadership transition at Škoda Auto will officially take effect on October 1, 2026. Martina Biene will take responsibility for Sales and Marketing, while Martin Jahn moves to a senior sales and marketing role within the Volkswagen brand. The changes form part of a broader leadership reshuffle across the Volkswagen Group