Olof Persson, 44, will assume the position of president of Volvo Construction Equipment on November 1, 2008. He replaces Tony Helsham, 54, who will remain in the Volvo Group Executive Committee, with a responsibility to support the growth of soft products in the Group. Olof Persson is currently president of Volvo Aero. He will, as of the same date, be replaced by Staffan Zackrisson, who is presently head of Marketing, Programs, and Sales in Volvo Aero.
“I am convinced that Olof Persson, with his extensive international career, is very well suited to take over the responsibility as President of Volvo CE,” says Volvo CEO, Leif Johansson.
Olof Persson has been with Volvo since 2006 and has previously held executive positions within the Bombardier Group, ABB and the Daimler-Chrysler Group.
“Tony Helsham, who has been in the construction equipment industry for 24 years, and the last 8 years as president of Volvo Construction Equipment, has done a great job in building Volvo CE to what it is today—the world’s third largest construction equipment manufacturer with a strong global presence— not least in Asia”, Leif Johansson continues. ”He will now focus on the growth of soft products in the Volvo Group, a highly prioritized area of growing importance for us.”
Olof Persson’s successor as president of Volvo Aero will be Staffan Zackrisson. He will, as of November 1, also become a member of the Volvo Group Executive Committee.
“Staffan has successfully led Volvo Aero’s expansion of new engine programs and will, with his long experience in this industry, be an excellent president of Volvo Aero”, says Volvo CEO, Leif Johansson.