Volkswagen and Audi have announced new appointments to their procurement boards. Karsten Schnake will take over as the Chief Procurement Officer of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, effective November 1, 2025. He will also become a member of the Extended Group Management Board, succeeding Dirk Große-Loheide, who is retiring. Schnake has been with the Volkswagen Group since 1996 and has held various leadership positions, including overseeing strategic procurement in China and managing the purchasing activities of all group brands in the country.
In addition to his new role, Schnake will temporarily manage procurement for Škoda until December 31, 2025, to ensure a smooth transition. He has a deep understanding of the company’s operations, having worked in project management, global series coordination, and capacity, cost, and process management.
Meanwhile, Audi has appointed Dieter Dehoorne as its new Chief Procurement Officer, effective at the beginning of 2026. Dehoorne joins Audi from Vestas Wind Systems, where he served as Chief Procurement Officer. He has over 25 years of experience in the automotive and energy industries, including more than 20 years at Volvo Cars, where he held various leadership positions in China, North America, and Europe.
Dehoorne succeeds Renate Vachenauer, who left the company on good terms. Since October 15, 2025, Audi’s Production Board Member Gerd Walker has been temporarily heading the division. Dehoorne’s appointment is expected to bring new expertise and perspectives to Audi’s procurement operations.
Both appointments are significant for the Volkswagen Group, as procurement plays a critical role in the company’s operations. The new appointments are expected to help the company navigate the complex and ever-changing automotive industry landscape. With their extensive experience and expertise, Schnake and Dehoorne are well-positioned to lead the procurement efforts of Volkswagen and Audi, respectively, and drive the companies’ success in the years to come.