Michael Kerschensteiner, Chief Procurement Officer, Škoda & Region East

Sebastien Bals, Chief Procurement Officer, Takeda

JOB FROM: SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT PURCHASING NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES AT VOLKSWAGEN

JOB FROM: EVP, CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER( CPO) AT THE MERCK GROUP

JOB TO: CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER AT ŠKODA & REGION EAST

JOB TO: CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER AT TAKEDA

Škoda Auto has appointed Michael Kerschensteiner as Chief Procurement Officer Škoda & Region East, effective 1 February 2026. He succeeds Karsten Schnake, In his new position, Michael will also oversee Procurement for the Region East within the Brand Group Core. Michael Kerschensteiner has held various senior positions within the Volkswagen Group and Audi AG since 2004, primarily in the field of procurement.

Sebastien Bals has shared his new role as the CPO at Takeda on LinkedIn.

Writing on the site, he said:“ Great procurement is built on great partnerships and therefore I’ m excited to collaborate with all colleagues across Takeda and our suppliers – all who are essential to delivering on Takeda’ s mission – to drive innovation, resilience and value together.”

20 February 2026