Audi is taking significant strides towards a software-driven future by appointing Geoffrey Bouquot, the former CTO of Valeo, to its Board of Management. Bouquot, who now oversees Innovation and Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV), is tasked with leading Audi’s ambitious transition to a software-centered company.
Geoffrey Bouquot brings extensive experience from his tenure at Valeo, a leading French automotive supplier. At Valeo, he was responsible for corporate strategy, R&D, public affairs, sustainability, marketing, and innovation, and led a global R&D network of 20,000 engineers across 20 research and 40 development centers. His role included driving digital transformation, implementing strategic innovation plans, and developing AI for autonomous driving.
Audi’s decision to establish a dedicated Board of Management position for Innovation and SDVs highlights the company’s commitment to integrating software at the heart of its vehicle development. Manfred Doss, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AUDI AG, emphasized that this move strengthens Audi’s long-term technology strategy and accelerates the development of software-defined vehicles.
Jorg Schlagbauer, Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Chairman of the General Works Council of Audi AG, welcomed Bouquot’s appointment. He stated, “Geoffrey Bouquot’s expertise in software and innovation is crucial for our vision of Vorsprung durch Technik. We look forward to revitalizing our brand and enhancing our technological leadership.”
Under Bouquot’s leadership, Audi aims to enhance its development processes by adopting a matrix organization. This approach will foster greater entrepreneurial responsibility and streamline technical development capabilities, aligning them with a software-centric model. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner highlighted the importance of this structural realignment, stating, “Innovation is essential for our future. Geoffrey Bouquot’s appointment underscores our commitment to accelerating development and focusing on software integration.”
Bouquot expressed his enthusiasm for his new role at Audi, saying, “For me, Audi represents precision and the future of engineering and digitalization. I am eager to contribute to Audi’s upward trajectory and work towards greater efficiency and digital advancements alongside the talented team at Audi.”
As Audi continues to innovate and integrate software into its vehicles, Bouquot’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s future. This strategic shift not only reaffirms Audi’s dedication to technological excellence but also sets the stage for a new era of automotive innovation.
