Håkan Samuelsson returns to Volvo as CEO and president for two-year term, replacing Jim Rowan

Volvo Cars has appointed Håkan Samuelsson as chief executive officer and president for a two-year term from April 1, 2025 in preparation to appoint a long-term successor, the carmaker has announced.

In effect, Samuelsson returns to the post at Volvo after his previous tenure that ran from October 2012 to the end of 2021, and succeeds Jim Rowan who took on the post in March 2022. Rowan stepped down from his role as CEO on March 31, and vacated his position on the carmaker’s board on the same date.

“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 — revitalising the brand, expanding into new markets, and successfully executing its IPO,” said chairperson of the Volvo Cars board and Geely Automobile Holdings, Eric Li.

“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,” Li said.

“The car industry is under pressure from many directions. I’m honoured 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,” Samuelsson said.

Outgoing CEO Rowan commenced duties on March 21, 2022, after his role as CEO and board member at Ember Technologies from February 2021. Before that, Rowan was COO at Dyson from 2012 to 2017, before becoming CEO of the Dysons Group from 2017 until 2020.

“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,” Rowan said.

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