Volkswagen Financial Services AG, one of Europe’s largest providers of automotive finance and mobility solutions, is entering a new chapter of leadership with the appointment of Anthony Bandmann as its next CEO, effective 1 January 2026. Bandmann will replace Christian Dahlheim to execute a transition at a very strategically important moment for the global automotive and mobility-finance landscape.
Bandmann’s elevation to the top job is widely regarded as a continuity move, one that favors operational expertise and deep industry understanding. With more than a decade spent in senior positions in Volkswagen Group’s financial ecosystem, he brings a broad perspective on banking, leasing, sales, and global automotive finance-those areas increasingly intersecting as mobility undergoes fast-paced transformation.
Bandmann began his career in the group in 2012 when he was appointed to head Volkswagen Bank GmbH. This came with responsibility for operations such as vehicle financing, direct banking services, and dealer financing across various European markets. His leadership strengthened the bank’s position as a core engine of VWFS’s growth, particularly as customers shifted from traditional loans toward more flexible financing and leasing solutions.
From 2017 to 2019, Bandmann was Chairman of Volkswagen Leasing GmbH, where he played a key role in modernizing leasing portfolios and expanding services related to both new and used vehicles. His strategic focus on customer-centric financing and digital processes helped the brand keep pace with changing consumer expectations. The move later took him across the Atlantic, to lead VW Credit, Inc. in the United States—a role that would expose him to one of the world’s most competitive auto-finance markets. Under his leadership, the U.S. subsidiary strengthened its alignment with dealership networks and increased leasing penetration within the American market.
He returned to Europe in 2021 as the board member responsible for Sales & Marketing at VWFS. During this period, Bandmann played a critical role in reshaping the company’s approach toward mobility financing. He championed used-car financing, subscription services, and bundled insurance products-verticals that grew significantly because customers increasingly looked for flexibility rather than long-term ownership commitments. His experience across banking, leasing, international markets, and mobility strategy made him a natural contender for the CEO role.
Bandmann’s appointment comes at a time when the automotive industry finds itself in the midst of a historic transformation. Electrification, changing customer behavior, digital purchasing journeys, and the growth of mobility-as-a-service-the way people buy and utilize vehicles-is in flux. In response, financing models must adapt at an accelerated rate to increasingly shortened product life cycles, advancing battery technologies, the growing residual value uncertainty, and high demand for subscription-based mobility.
As CEO, Bandmann is likely to cement VWFS’s position as a full-service mobility provider rather than a mere finance house. Past statements and strategic actions indicate a heightened emphasis on flexible mobility products, electric-vehicle financing, customer-centered digital platforms, and expanded used-car solutions. Used-car financing will probably be one of the main items on his leadership agenda, due to increasing consumer demand and much higher margins for this segment.
Still, Bandmann’s situation is not uncomplicated. Economic prospects in Europe remain hazy with high interest rates and strained financing conditions affecting the state of customers and institutions alike. While EV adoption grows, it also raises several financial complications, including unpredictable car depreciation and inconsistent metrics for battery life. Strong competition from fintech-powered mobility platforms and subscription-based startups is increasing pressure on VWFS for speedy innovation to maintain market leadership. Against these challenges, VWFS stands on firm ground. It remains one of the strongest financial arms among global automakers, supporting millions of customers and thousands of dealerships across more than 48 countries. Under the guidance of Anthony Bandmann, the company is entering a phase that combines stability with transformation.
His track record of operational excellence, innovation in mobility finance, and deep understanding of customer behavior put him in good stead to lead VWFS through the next decade of evolving mobility needs. As the automotive world moves toward electrification, digital ecosystems, and flexible mobility services, Bandmann’s leadership is expected to shape how Volkswagen adjusts its financial and mobility offerings for the future. For consumers, this could mean more flexible financing, smarter digital experiences, and mobility solutions that match the rapidly changing nature of how people move. For VWFS, this marks the beginning of a leadership era designed to modernize the company while preserving its strong financial foundation.
