Audi is tasking its new technical development chief, Oliver Hoffmann, with speeding up the automaker's push into electrification.
Hoffmann takes on the job formerly held by Audi CEO Markus Duesmann, who has held the two roles since June 2020 and also has a wider job at parent Volkswagen Group as head of research and development for the entire group.
"This appointment is another element in shaping the new Audi, VW Group CEO Herbert Diess said in a statement. Diess is also Audi's chairman.
Diess said Hoffmann's priorities are to accelerate the expansion of Audi's product portfolio toward e-mobility, develop technological advances and cooperate with other VW Group brands in development.
Hoffmann will work closely with Porsche, which is jointly developing the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) underpinnings with Audi for next-generation full-electric cars.
He will also have close ties with Bentley. VW Group transferred control of the British ultraluxury brand to Audi from Porsche last March.
Bentley plans to drop internal combustion engines from its cars by 2030 and switch its entire model range to full-electric vehicles.
Hoffmann moves to the role from his post as Audi's chief operating officer. In that role he established a new corporate culture alongside running the operating business of automotive development.
Previously Hoffmann, an engineer, worked in quality assurance at Lamborghini, and was in charge of powertrain development at Audi's plant in Gyor, Hungary. He was also Audi Sport's head of technical development.
Audi is developing an advanced, self-driving electric vehicle as part of the Artemis project. The program will create a flagship electric car for Audi, Porsche, Bentley, code-named "Landjet," due to roll a new production line at VW Group's factory in Hanover, Germany, in 2024.
