This is hardly a surprise. While the rest of VW's supervisory board was no doubt hoping that VW/Porsche heavyweight Ferdinand Piëch would simply disappear and enjoy retirement after he and his wife (and fellow VW boardmember) Ursula stepped down last week—his critical remarks on the performance of VW CEO Martin Winterkorn had been met with outrage—that isn't to be the case.
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The void was was quickly filled with two new appointees, 57-year-old Louise Kiesling, the daughter of Louise Daxer-Piëch; and 34-year-old Julia Kuhn-Piëch. VW's board seemingly hoped that naming two supervisory board members from Piëch's family would appease the 78-year-old industrial titan. And moreover, VW hoped that naming two women would generate positive press for the company, as the German government is pushing for 30 percent female representation on supervisory boards. Perhaps they were also hoping they wouldn't get much resistance on their future strategic plans.
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- The Resignation of VWs Piëch: What Happened Behind the Scenes -
- Bob Lutz: Ferdinand Piëch Is "the Greatest Living Product Guy" -
- Dr. Piëch's Legacy: Hits and Misses from a Distinguished Career -
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Piëch seemingly isn't impressed. He has proposed two different candidates: Brigitte Ederer, 59, a former politician, former Siemens board member, and head of the supervisory board of Austria's state railroad; and Wolfgang Reitzle, 66, former BMW and Linde top manager and head of Continental's supervisory board. Both of them bring vast expertise to the table, which VW's appointees do not. Reitzle is very active in the automotive business; he was recently involved in the politics surrounding supplier Schaeffler's top management, although his candidate was ultimately not chosen. One thing is certain: Piëch isn't ready for retirement.
-from Car and Driver Blog http://ift.tt/nSHy27
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