2023 AUTOMOTIVE NEWS EUROPE RISING STARS
Sebastian Wolf,
33
COO, PowerCo
What was your first automotive job and why were you interested in the industry?
I have been a huge fan of cars since early childhood. There was never a question about whether I wanted to work in the automotive industry and contribute to the future of sustainable individual mobility. I began my career as a production engineer for fuel injection systems at Robert Bosch.
Your greatest achievement?
I built from scratch a regional organization for a battery producer in Europe. My project attracted new customers and resulted in a joint venture to build the first battery factory in southeast Europe.
Sebastian Wolf
Born: Saxony, Germany
Nationality: German
Languages: German, English, Turkish, Chinese and French
Education: Master’s degree in production engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; master’s degree in industrial engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
What was your biggest failure and what did it teach you?
Waiting too long to make a decision that ended up being critical. This taught me that it’s always better to make a decision promptly.
What is your current challenge at work?
I’m setting up factories all around the world while building a powerful international team. The teams have to have in-depth understanding of battery cell production. Coordinating all this is a challenge.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
I was told that it’s important to lead your team by having a clear vision of the future.
Career highlights
2022 to present: Chief operating officer, PowerCo (Volkswagen Group), Salzgitter, Germany
2021-2022: Head of operations at center of competence, Volkswagen, Salzgitter
2018-2021: Regional president Europe and vice president of automotive business unit, Farasis Energy, Stuttgart, Germany
2017-2018: Expert consultant battery production, Boston Consulting Group, Stuttgart
2015-2017: Senior manager process development battery cell production, Lithium Energy and Power, Stuttgart
2008-2015: Production equipment planning and process development for fuel injection systems, Robert Bosch, Bursa, Turkey; Bamberg, Schwieberdingen, Schillerhoehe, Germany
What advice would you give to a person considering a career in the auto industry?
As in many industries, it’s important to have passion. In this case people who are interested in the automotive world have to have a passion for individual mobility. That is the key enabler for success.
What job do you really want to have in the future?
I want to keep the job I have and be here to see all of PowerCo’s factories around the world up and running on time.
What do you do to relax?
Driving in the car together with my son as we travel along an empty mountain road.
What is your dream location to live?
Somewhere along the Mediterranean with beautiful views of the water. Of course, I would like access to winding roads to enjoy many driving adventures.
What is your favorite driving song?
“Life is a highway” by Rascal Flatts.
What was your favorite road trip and why?
We took a drive through the west of Turkey during the summer. We enjoyed unlimited roads, little traffic, exciting views of the landscape and sea, as well as perfect weather.
What was your first car?
I had a Mercedes A-Class.
Current car?
I currently drive the full-electric Porsche Taycan.
If you were a car, which one would you be?
I would be an electric sports car. It would be all about maximum acceleration to top speed while remaining stable driving on winding roads.