Porsche is on the brink of a major leadership overhaul, with several top managers in the firing line.
According to sources with knowledge of the matter, the decision - currently being considered by the supervisory board – is in response to growing criticism over the company’s slowing sales and a substantial increase in operating costs.
At the centre of the upheaval are Porsche’s deputy chairman and chief financial officer, Lutz Meschke, and its sales and marketing director, Detlev von Platen.
Indications are that both will have their contracts terminated as early as next week as Porsche seeks to revitalise its leadership team and address internal tensions.
Meschke and von Platen have been under intense scrutiny for some time, being blamed for the company’s downturn and faltering share price.
On Saturday evening, Porsche issued a statement confirming that its supervisory board chairman, Wolfgang Porsche, has been tasked with initiating discussions regarding the early termination of their contracts.
Whether other top managers are being targeted remains unclear.
The looming departures align with recent remarks from Porsche chairman Oliver Blume, who has advocated for a younger generation of managers to join its executive ranks.
However, indications suggest that Blume himself is no longer considered untouchable as the supervisory board seeks to correct recent strategic missteps.
Concerns are mounting over Porsche's new model direction, particularly the decision to make the Macan and 718 Boxster/Cayman fully electric.
If Meschke departs, it may provide Blume with some temporary breathing room. However, the 56-year-old’s reputation has been severely tarnished and questions remain over his long-term position within the company.
Tensions within Porsche’s senior management ranks have been simmering for some time. Last year, reports emerged of a strained relationship between Blume – who also serves as chairman of the Volkswagen Group – and Meschke.
Meschke, 58, was widely believed to be positioning himself as Blume’s successor, expecting that Blume would eventually shift his focus entirely to Volkswagen, leaving the Porsche chairman role vacant. However, the Porsche and Piëch families, who hold a controlling stake in the company, have repeatedly reaffirmed their support for Blume’s dual leadership role. This backing of Blume has largely left Meschke sidelined in his aspirations.
Meschke’s troubles extend beyond Porsche’s financial situation. Allegations of involvement in questionable real-estate dealings and undisclosed residence in Austria have added further pressure. Reports suggest he engaged in multi-million-euro property transactions in and around Kitzbühel alongside Ralf Hofmann, founder of Stuttgart-based consultancy MHP.
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