Markus Duesmann, Herbert Diess, Wolfgang Bernhard (from left)
The three top managers came to VW from outside – and failed.
(Photo: Imago, dpa (2))
They came as a beacon of hope, but left abruptly: ex-Volkswagen boss Herbert Diess, Audi boss Markus Duesmann and former VW brand boss Wolfgang Bernhard are three of several BMW and Mercedes managers who left their job after moving to the Wolfsburg carmaker lost again prematurely.
The reason is usually the same: it is the different perceptions of leadership, according to the unanimous opinion of those involved. Different power constellations prevail at Mercedes-Benz and BMW – and the corporate culture also differs from Volkswagen.
Nevertheless, the appeal of the change is great. For years, the group has repeatedly succeeded in poaching top personnel from its southern German competitors. Money is a temptation: VW pays its board members 20 to 30 percent more than Mercedes and BMW. Volkswagen also lures candidates who have previously experienced a career break. But experience shows that those who leave BMW and Mercedes usually don’t stay long in the VW Group either.
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