SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Jan. 15, 2025 – Audi is set to embark on a significant restructuring of its Vehicle Development division, ushering in a new era of efficiency and innovation. Effective January 1, 2025, Geoffrey Bouquot will assume leadership of the newly consolidated Technical Development division, merging his previous responsibilities for Innovation and Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) with this critical area.
Matrix Organization to Drive Efficiency and Collaboration
This strategic move aligns with Audi's adoption of a matrix organization structure within Vehicle Development. This framework aims to foster collaboration, reduce hierarchies, and streamline decision-making processes.
"With the introduction of our matrix organization at the start of the new year and the restructuring of Technical Development, we are taking an important step towards making Audi more efficient, more competitive, and more resilient,” says Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management at AUDI AG. “The main focus here was on flat hierarchies and broad organizational structures, as well as on reducing the number of interfaces, streamlining committees, and the dedicated linking of responsibility and decision-making to defined roles. The time has therefore come to hand over responsibility for Technical Development to Geoffrey Bouquot. Since joining Audi, Geoffrey has provided many important impulses and more than justified the trust placed in him. Together with the entire Board of Management, we are getting Audi ready for the future.”
Bouquot's Leadership to Spearhead Technological Advancement
Geoffrey Bouquot joined Audi's Board of Management in June 2024, leading Innovation and SDV while also serving as deputy for Technical Development. This consolidation of roles underscores Audi's commitment to integrating software development and innovation into the core of its vehicle development process.
“The original decision to create an additional board position for Innovation and SDV reflects the great importance the company places on a cross-departmental and long-term innovation strategy,” said Manfred Döss, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at AUDI AG. “The aim was to give Geoffrey Bouquot as much latitude as possible to develop such a technology and innovation roadmap when he started at Audi. With the reorganization of Technical Development taking place on January 1, the Supervisory Board believes that now is the right time to systematically consolidate the development work into one division to maximize synergies.”
Aligning with Audi's Legacy of "Vorsprung durch Technik"
This restructuring signifies Audi's dedication to upholding its renowned "Vorsprung durch Technik" philosophy, signifying "advancement through technology." By centralizing innovation and software development within Technical Development, Audi aims to accelerate its progress in key areas like artificial intelligence and automated driving.
Jörg Schlagbauer, Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Chairman of the General Works Council at AUDI AG, emphasizes the significance of this move: “Technical development at Audi is the driving force behind Vorsprung durch Technik. With the appointment of Geoffrey Bouquot, we are making a clear statement about our comprehensive strategic and technological modernization. Systematic digitalization, streamlined structures, faster decision-making, and improved processes – with the clear goal of more direct value creation in development and thus also in production. That is the future of Audi. We look forward to our work together for the benefit of the employees and the company.”
Bouquot's Vision for Audi's Future
Bouquot brings extensive experience to his expanded role. Prior to Audi, he held key positions at an international automotive supplier, overseeing large software engineering teams and driving innovation in AI and automated driving. His expertise in managing global R&D networks further strengthens Audi's capabilities.
“I am honored by the trust placed in me and would like to express my sincere gratitude for it,” said Geoffrey Bouquot, Member of the Board of Management at AUDI AG and designated board member for Technical Development. “Over the past several months, together with the entire Audi team, we have been able to lay important groundwork for a paradigm shift towards the integral development of vehicles with software as a central element. Vorsprung durch Technik and the power of innovation are two fundamental pillars of our product promise. By combining the two business areas, we will bring this promise to life even more.”
Embracing a Software-Defined Future
Audi's strategic reorganization positions the company to lead in the evolving automotive landscape. By embracing software as a central component of vehicle development, Audi aims to deliver a new generation of intelligent, innovative, and user-centric vehicles. This restructuring not only streamlines operations but also empowers Audi to fully realize its vision for the future of mobility.