AICGS GLAD 2012

Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG

Member of the Board of Management of
Volkswagen AG with responsibility for
‘Group Research and Development’

Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AUDI AG

Chairman of the Board of Management of
Porsche Automobil Holding SE

Born in Leonberg, Martin Winterkorn studied Metallurgy and Metal Physics at the University of Stuttgart, and received his doctorate from the Max-Planck-Institute for Metal Research.

In 1977, Dr. Winterkorn’s professional career began with Robert Bosch GmbH. In 1981, he joined AUDI AG as assistant to the Member of the Board for Quality Assurance. Two years later, he assumed responsibility for “Measuring Technology/Sampling and Test Laboratory” at Audi. In 1988, he was made departmental head of Central Quality Assurance, and in 1990, Head of Audi Quality Assurance. In 1993, he became Head of Group Quality Assurance at Volkswagen AG and in 1994 was appointed General Representative of Volkswagen AG. In 1995, he added responsibility for Volkswagen Group Product Management. In 1996, Dr. Winterkorn took over as Member of the Board of Management for ‘Technical Development’ at the Volkswagen brand, and in 2000 became Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG responsible for research and development.

In 2002, Dr. Winterkorn became Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. In addition to this, in 2003 he assumed responsibility for Technical Development at AUDI AG. In his capacity as Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, Dr. Winterkorn was also a Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG.

In 2007, Dr. Winterkorn became Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AUDI AG, and Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG responsible for the area ‘Group Research and Development,’ as well as chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand. In 2009, he joined the Board of Management of Porsche Automobil Holding SE, assuming responsibility as Chairman of the Board of Management.

Volkswagen translated into English means, “people’s car.” Das Auto (the car) is a well-known fixture on American roads, ranging from the beloved Beetle of old to today’s models, including a model manufactured in the U.S., the Passat, and perhaps in the future, the Audi.

Volkswagen AG aims to be the leading automaker in the world, while meeting strict environmental standards, by the year 2018. They are well on their way: Martin Winterkorn dubbed 2010 “the most successful year in Volkswagen Group’s history.” In 2011, Volkswagen again reported record vehicle sales, sales revenue and earnings, and is confident about its prospects for 2012.

In 2011, despite difficult conditions in volatile markets, Volkswagen AG made progress both quantitatively and qualitatively: more than 8 million vehicles sold for the first time. The highest product quality, as well as customer and employee satisfaction was coupled with sound finances and a steady increase in profitability. Volkswagen AG again expanded its fascinating new portfolio of vehicles, and the company occupies new, high-growth segments.

Under Dr. Winterkorn’s competent direction, Volkswagen AG is applying innovative and entrepreneurial thinking to an industry in transition that must operate in an economically and environmentally sustainable way.

The Group’s “Strategy 2018” combines business success and financial strength with responsible conduct towards customers, employees, the environment and society. Dr. Winterkorn’s stated goals are to make Volkswagen the most ecological automaker in the world, and to make the company a beacon for the automotive industry.