“Škoda Group has the ambition to grow more internationally and to improve drastically its performances; therefore since 2022, we have set-up a clear strategy and started to reinforce the leadership team. The nominations of Jan and Laurent are in line with that strategy. Both Jan and Laurent have years of experience in the markets we are currently focusing on, and I am delighted to welcome them to our team. I am confident that together we will be able to establish strong relationships with our partners and strengthen our position as a strong European player in the field of public transport vehicles. I would like also to thank both Mike and Andreas for the work they did in our group,” describes the changes Didier Pfleger, CEO of Škoda Group.
Jan Christoph Harder studied law at the University of Konstanz and holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. He has 25 years of experience in the railway industry and has held senior positions in companies such as Siemens and Alstom. At Skoda Group, as President Region West, he will lead and develop all of the Group's urban and mainline businesses in the region. He succeeds Mike Niebling, who has decided to leave the Škoda Group to pursue other opportunities.
“I appreciate the opportunity to join Škoda Group. I am pleased that the group is more and more strengthening its position in a challenging competitive environment and I am confident that we will even more capitalise our potential in the markets in Region West. Škoda offers complete sustainable mobility solutions and digital and lifecycle services that meet highest expectations of passengers, operators and fleet owners. I am convinced that with our attractive and innovative portfolio we will shape the mobility landscape together with our customers and partners while increasing our international footprint and expertise in Europe and beyond,” says Jan Christoph Harder.
Laurent Fromont holds an engineering degree from the University of Lille and is a graduate of INSEAD, the European Business School. He spent almost 31 years at Alstom, where he worked in rail vehicle engineering. He progressed from systems engineer to Executive Director of Service in North America. In his role as Senior Vice President of Rolling Stock Engineering, he will focus on further developing the engineering division and launching products in new markets. Andreas Maroschik, who has held this position, will remain with the Group.
“Whether it is trains, trams or metros, every product that leaves the gates of Škoda Group production is perfected to the last detail. It's amazing that even in this day and age of "one-size-fits-all" solutions, there is still someone who delivers a solution tailored to the customer's requirements. I am convinced that together we will be able to make our products even more environmentally and economically friendly, while maintaining this unique philosophy that characterises Škoda,” says Laurent Fromont.
