On the surface, there is harmony at VW in Wolfsburg. Volkswagen boss Herbert Diess is in a good mood at public appearances, visitors experience him more relaxed than in a long time. Apparently the truce between the CEO and his opponent, the power-conscious works council chief Bernd Osterloh.
But if you look closely, you will see that this is a mirage. Almost half a year after the last power struggle between the works council and the VW boss, the signs are pointing to a storm again. What is this time about?
Volkswagen has to fill two new departments in the group’s board of directors: After head of purchasing Stefan Sommer, worn down by conflicts, resigned in the summer and CFO Frank Witter wants to resign in June 2021 for family reasons, successors are being sought for the two strategically important departments. This, so you can hear, has clear ideas. Osterloh rejects them. Diess relies on managers who increase the pressure to change in the company. Osterloh would prefer candidates who fit better into the Wolfsburg consensus culture.