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Škoda Group Announces Changes in Top Management to Strengthen Global Market Activities and Performance

Škoda Group Announces Changes in Top Management to Strengthen Global Market Activities and Performance
photo: Škoda Group/Škoda Group Announces Changes in Top Management to Strengthen Global Market Activities and Performance
05 / 04 / 2023

As of 1 April 2023, there were two changes in the Škoda Group's top management. Jan Christoph Harder (50) has taken over as President of Region West, and Laurent Fromont (56) has taken over as Senior Vice President of Rolling Stock Engineering. Both bring international knowledge and experience to the Group that will help strengthen Škoda's global market activities.

"The Škoda Group has ambitions to grow more internationally and significantly improve its performance. That is why in 2022, we came up with a clear strategy and started to strengthen the senior management team. The appointment of Jan and Laurent is in line with this strategy. Both have years of experience in the markets we are currently focusing on, and I am delighted to welcome them to our team. I am confident that together we will be able to establish strong relationships with our partners and strengthen our position as a strong European player in the public transport vehicles field. I would also like to thank Mike and Andreas for all the work they have done for our Group," says Didier Pfleger, CEO of Škoda Group, describing the changes.

Jan Christoph Harder studied law at the University of Konstanz and holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. He has 25 years of experience in the rail industry and has held senior positions at companies such as Siemens and Alstom. As President of Region West at Škoda Group, Jan Christoph Harder will manage and develop all the Group's business areas in the region for urban and long-distance operations. He succeeds Mike Niebling, who has decided to leave the Škoda Group to pursue other responsibilities.

Jan Christoph Harder / Škoda Group

"I appreciate the opportunity to become part of the Škoda Group. I am delighted that the Group is continually strengthening its position in a challenging competitive environment, and I am confident that we will further capitalise on our potential in the Region West markets. Škoda offers complete sustainable mobility solutions, digital services and lifecycle services that meet the highest expectations of passengers, operators and fleet owners. I am convinced that with our attractive and innovative portfolio, we will shape the mobility landscape with our customers and partners while increasing our international reach and expertise in Europe and beyond," says Jan Christoph Harder.

Laurent Fromont studied engineering at the University of Lille and attended the European Business School INSEAD. He spent almost 31 years at Alstom working in rail vehicle engineering. He progressed from systems engineer to executive director of service in North America. In his position as Senior Vice President of Rolling Stock Engineering, he will focus on further developing the engineering division and launching products into new markets. Andreas Maroschik, who served in this position, will stay with the Group.

Laurent Fromont / Škoda Group

"Whether trains, trams or subways, every product that leaves the Škoda Group's production gates is perfected to the last detail. It's amazing that even in this day and age of one-size-fits-all solutions, there is still someone who delivers a solution tailored to the customer's requirements. I am certain that together we will be able to make our products even more environmentally and economically friendly while maintaining this unique philosophy characteristic of Škoda," says Laurent Fromont.

Source: Škoda Group

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