Uwe Hochgeschurtz has been appointed CEO of Opel, effective September 1, 2021.

The experienced Hochgeschurtz, who includes the role of Director Corporate Sales Division at Renault for nearly six years in his CV, will join Opel from Renault, where he is currently CEO of Renault Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

The appointment to the lead role at Opel, part of the Stellantis group of companies, follows the resignation of Michael Lohscheller who has decided to pursue a new challenge outside Stellantis.

Hochgeschurtz will be charged with leading Opel’s pivot to an electric-only car maker in Europe by 2028 and expanding the company’s commercial push in China. He will report directly to Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares as part of the senior executive Stellantis team.

Beginning his automotive career with Ford in 1990, Hochgeschurtz then moved to Volkswagen for three years before joining Renault in 2004, based in Paris. He was appointed to his current role with Renault in March 2020.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares commented: “I would like to warmly thank Michael for having established strong sustainable foundations for Opel together with the employees. This impressive turnaround paves the way for the forthcoming worldwide commercial development of the brand. I am convinced that Uwe will successfully drive this new chapter of the Opel brand, thanks to his more than 30 years of automotive commercial experience. I wish Michael all the best for his next career step.”