Automotive News Europe Rising Stars have attained top leadership roles in key European markets.
Piotr Pawlak took over as president of Toyota Norway on Jan. 1. The former technical head of special projects at Toyota Europe succeeds Dimitris Tripospitis, who has taken over as head of Europe for Toyota's premium brand, Lexus.
Pawlak was named an ANE Rising Star in 2021 for the work he did reviving Ford's business in Poland.
Pawlak told me in an email that he will be responsible for all of Toyota's and Lexus' activities in Norway, which includes sales as well as establishing each brand's EV credentials in a market where battery-powered cars dominate.
A key aspect of his work will be building recognition for Toyota's new bZ full-electric subbrand, he said.
Success in Portugal
Susanne Hägglund this month celebrated her first full year as Volvo Portugal managing director.
She had been key part of getting Volvo's Portugal unit ready for the company's transition into an electric-only brand by 2030.
The move is gaining traction. In November, Volvo Portugal achieved an all-time sales high for its full-electic models, the Rising Stars Class of 2020 member posted on LinkedIn.
Hägglund was named a Rising Star for her work as Volvo's service business head.
Another promotion
Separately, 2017 Rising Star Michael Weiss continues his stead rise at drive systems specialist Dayco.
In November he was promoted to chief executive officer of the company's hybrid solutions business unit.
Weiss was named a Rising Star for his work establishing German supplier Schaeffler's presence in the thermal management sector.
