Volvo Group Announces Leadership Changes
Volvo Trucks announced on Dec. 12 that Roger Alm will take over leadership of its global operations on Jan. 1, 2019, replacing Claes Nilsson, who is retiring.
In addition to becoming president of the truck group — which includes Volvo Trucks North America — Alm will become a member of Volvo Group’s executive board.
Alm
Alm, who joined the company in 1989, currently serves as president for the truck maker’s European division. He has held several senior positions during his tenure, including leadership of the company’s operations in Latin America and Europe.
Nilsson is closing out a 33-year career with Volvo during which he served in a variety of positions. He has been president of the truck group since 2016.
The change comes just a few months after VTNA appointed a new leader; on Sept. 1, Peter Voorhoeve replaced Göran Nyberg as head of that division. On Dec. 11, Voorhoeve announced during a meeting with North American press that his company would launch an electric-powered version of its VNR regional-haul truck in 2020.
Niu
Along with the Alm announcement, Volvo announced that Diana Niu is being promoted to executive vice president of group human resources. She also has been at Volvo in a variety of HR positions for almost 30 years, most recently as the senior vice president of human resources for Volvo Construction Equipment.
In October, AB Volvo announced a 38% gain in net income on record quarterly revenue during the third quarter, results that were lifted by stronger truck orders and deliveries. For the period ending Sept. 30, Volvo — which reports in Swedish krona — earned the equivalent of $830 million, or 41 cents a share, on global revenue of $10.25 billion. The company saw its operating margin climb to 11.1% compared with 9.6% a year earlier.
“Although this is the best third quarter ever for the group, it does not mean that we have reached our full potential. There is more to do to improve profitability and drive cash flow,” Volvo CEO Martin Lundstedt said in a statement.
North American order intake in 3Q increased by 116% to 26,085 vehicles and deliveries increased by 39% to 13,565 vehicles — propelled by the region’s strong economy, truck capacity issues and high freight rates.
Volvo Trucks saw its Class 8 North American retail sales market share, boosted by new models, climb to 10.5%, up from 8.6% a year earlier.
Managing Editor for Features Seth Clevenger and Staff Reporter Roger Gilroy contributed to this story.
