Volkswagen Group Africa managing director Martina Biene will step down from her post effective October 1, 2026, to take up a new executive role at Skoda Auto in the Czech Republic. Volkswagen Group announced the leadership transition alongside the appointment of Christiane Zorn, currently the vice president of Porsche’s overseas region, as Biene’s successor, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
Leadership Transition at Volkswagen Group Africa
Biene made history in 2022 as the first woman appointed chairperson or managing director at Volkswagen Group Africa. During her tenure, the automaker managed a tough operating environment while steering the Kariega manufacturing plant to historic production volumes. The factory produced over 167,000 cars in 2024, culminating in the rollout of its one-millionth sixth-generation Polo earlier this year. Under her leadership, the Kariega plant also secured future production plans for a third model, the Tengo, which Biene cited as a core pillar for upcoming SUV sales offensive plans across South Africa and the wider African continent.
Incoming Leadership Under Christiane Zorn
Christiane Zorn will take over the managing director role on October 1, 2026. Zorn brings extensive international automotive experience to the position, having started her career as a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group before joining BMW in 2013 with roles spanning Munich and Beijing. From March 2020, Zorn held various management positions at Audi—another Volkswagen subsidiary—including head of sales for China, head of product marketing, and head of product strategy, before moving to Porsche’s overseas region.
Plant Production Milestone: The Kariega facility stands as South Africa’s largest vehicle manufacturer, hitting record output under Biene’s guidance ahead of the upcoming introduction of the Tengo model.
Biene Moves to Skoda Auto
Biene transitions from her South African executive responsibilities to Skoda Auto, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen based in the Czech Republic. Skoda remains one of the most popular vehicle brands in Europe, holding a particularly strong market presence in countries such as England and Germany. Biene leaves Volkswagen Group Africa pointing to the early launch of the Tengo and resilient production figures as defining milestones of her tenure.
Martina Biene steps down to join Skoda Auto
When will Martina Biene step down from Volkswagen Group Africa?
Biene leaves her role on October 1, 2026, to join Skoda Auto.
Who will replace Martina Biene?
Christiane Zorn, currently the vice president of Porsche’s overseas region, will succeed Biene, pending regulatory processes.
What is Skoda Auto?
Skoda Auto is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group based in the Czech Republic, recognized as a major car brand across Europe.
What major production milestone did the Kariega plant reach under Biene?
The plant manufactured over 167,000 cars in 2024 and produced its one-millionth sixth-generation Polo, alongside securing production plans for the new Tengo model.
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