Markus Duesmann, Herbert Diess, Wolfgang Bernhard (from left)
The three top managers came to VW from outside – and failed.
(Photo: Imago, dpa (2))
It is a fate that they share with a number of former BMW and Mercedes managers: Ex-Volkswagen boss Herbert Diess, Audi boss Markus Duesmann and VW brand boss Wolfang Bernhard once switched to the Wolfsburg carmaker as a beacon of hope – and lost their job again prematurely.
The reason is usually the same: the perception of leadership is very different, according to 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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