IAV downsizes Top Management / Matthias Kratzsch takes over as Chairman of the Management Board from Dr Ulrich Eichhorn

Dr Nikolai Ardey, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of IAV GmbH, said: “IAV would like to thank Dr Eichhorn for his great commitment and leadership through what has been a very challenging time in the automotive industry and during the corona crisis. Under his leadership on the Supervisory Board (until 2018) and Management Board (from 2019), the company has achieved the best financial years in its history and has reached the top position among automotive development service providers. At the same time, he has succeeded in taking the company’s governance, compliance and control systems to the next level. I am very pleased that Dr Eichhorn will support the Management and Supervisory Boards in an advisory capacity.”

Dr Eichhorn said: “IAV has grown very close to my heart. I am grateful for the excellent collaboration, our joint successes and the great openness towards the changes initiated in recent years.”

In the wake of Dr Eichhorn’s resignation, IAV’s management will be downsized in order to prepare itself for the challenges ahead in a lean and agile manner. Matthias Kratzsch will also be taking over as Chairman of the Management Board in addition to his current role as Chief Technology Officer.

Katja Ziegler will remain Chief Financial Officer. As before, the Management Board will be completed by President and CHRO Dr Uwe Horn.

“As with the industry as a whole, the economic slump resulting from coronavirus has not left IAV unscathed,” said future Chairman of the Management Board Matthias Kratzsch. “However, IAV’s premium positioning is paying off, particularly in the current times. The company is involved in many success-critical projects close to serial production that continue to enjoy high priority on the part of manufacturers. At the same time, IAV is technologically at the forefront in many future-oriented fields – from automated driving and software development to e-mobility. We are convinced that IAV will continue on its growth course after the pandemic.”