Polestar Strengthens Management Team – Appoints New R&D Boss And New CFO

Sweden’s Polestar has announced the appointment of Jörg Brandscheid as Chief Technology Officer (Research and Development) and Johan Malmqvist as Chief Financial Officer.

Brandscheid joins Polestar from Hella APAC where he was Executive Vice President, Electronics. He replaces Hans Pehrson, who will take on the challenge of driving the Polestar 0 project – the brand’s goal of creating a climate neutral car by 2030.

Brandscheid will join the team in October.

Malmqvist is a highly experienced finance executive who brings more than 20 years’ international experience across multiple sectors. Most recently he held the position of CFO at Dole Food Company, which successfully executed a merger and IPO with Total Produce this summer.

Malmqvist will replace Ian Zhang, who will remain on the Polestar management team with a focus on activities in the Asia Pacific region.

Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath, says: “Investing heavily in our technical competence especially in software development will boost our position and raise our profile as an EV company. Jörg will grow our R&D capacity and capabilities, increasing our core competencies in software and electric vehicle technology. Johan’s business-oriented approach will be invaluable as we accelerate our growth and operations.

He adds: “I want to thank Ian and Hans for their contributions and look forward to continue working together as we grow the brand.”

Polestar is the independent Swedish premium electric performance car brand founded by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding. Established in 2017, Polestar is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, and its vehicles are available and on the road in thirteen global markets across Europe, North America and China.

In 2021, Polestar is expanding into five new markets in the Asia Pacific region.