Oct. 14, 2015—Porsche, Volkswagen’s sports car unit, announced on Tuesday that Klaus Zellmer has been named president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America effective Nov. 1, according to a report by John Irwin of Automotive News.
Currently, Zellmer is Porsche's head of overseas and emerging markets. Zellmer will replace Detlev von Platen, who is relocating to the company’s headquarters in Stuttgart to head global sales and marketing. Von Platen held the position for seven years.
Zellmer was named to his current position this year and oversees Porsche offices in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America. From 2010-2015 he was managing director of Porsche Germany.
“I have known Klaus Zellmer for many years and am very pleased to have a seasoned sales and marketing expert succeed me as head of Porsche Cars North America,” Von Platen said in a statement, according to Irwin’s report. “His track record and can-do attitude make him a perfect fit for our U.S. sales organization.”
This announcement was the latest in VW’s ongoing restructuring in the wake of its diesel emissions cheating scandal.