Susanne Wiegand, the former chief executive of military contractor Renk, unexpectedly stepped down from Volkswagen's supervisory board, a move that prompted concerns about the automaker's corporate governance. Wiegand, aged 54, was slated for re-election at a shareholder meeting but informed the board on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, that she would not stand as a candidate. Her departure takes effect at the conclusion of the general meeting. Chairman Hans Dieter Pötsch acknowledged her decision at the shareholder meeting, stating that a vote on her re-election would no longer take place. Wiegand herself confirmed her decision to Handelsblatt, citing "careful consideration of the overall circumstances."
This surprising resignation comes amidst a period of scrutiny for Volkswagen regarding its leadership and financial performance. The company reported a 44% drop in net profits in 2025, its worst annual result since the Dieselgate scandal. Shareholders, including activist investors, have been critical of the board's handling of accountability for the scandal and its decision to allow certain executives, including Chairman Pötsch, to remain in positions despite their alleged involvement or previous roles during the scandal.
The supervisory board's nomination committee is expected to meet "promptly" to discuss Wiegand's successor. The sudden vacancy highlights ongoing challenges for Volkswagen, which has faced pressure to refresh its leadership with individuals possessing fresh perspectives and technical expertise, especially as it navigates significant industry shifts towards electrification and software development. Critics also question the board's independence given representation from labor unions and the state of Lower Saxony.
