Giovanni Palazzo has been in charge of the Volkswagen Group’s global charging infrastructure and energy business since 1 July. In addition to the charging services under the Elli and Electrify America brands, he will increasingly focus on solutions for load distribution, energy market optimisation and energy trading.

Giovanni’s predecessor Elke Temme resigned from her position in February with immediate effect.

Giovanni Palazzo, the former President and CEO of the North American fast-charging network Electrify America, has now taken over the reins.

Palazzo held the position since 2018 and worked for the Volkswagen Group for seven years before joining Electrify America, most recently as head of electric mobility strategy.

Earlier in his career, he held positions at Mercedes-Benz and Daimler AG. Palazzo was succeeded at Electrify America on 1 June by Rob Barrosa as the new President and CEO.

According to a Volkswagen statement, Palazzo will focus on expanding the fast charging network and the development of the company’s own smart energy platform.

Elli and Electrify America should also cooperate more closely and roll out new business models internationally. In addition, the division will strengthen cooperation with the Group’s brands and intensify proximity to private and fleet customers.

Volkswagen created the Charging and Energy business field at the turn of 2020/2021 and placed it under Volkswagen Group Components.

The intention was, and still is, to bundle the Group’s global activities in charging infrastructure and energy services. The Group published an interim report on its charging infrastructure expansion at the beginning of the year.

“Volkswagen Group can build on the expertise of its brands in the field of charging and energy, in particular Electrify America – the largest open charging network in the US – and Elli, which is already the largest mobility service provider in Europe,” says Palazzo. “

We want to further expand this expertise along the entire value chain and verticalise the energy management business, which will be an important revenue driver in the future. This is based on a new strategic orientation, new business models and closer cooperation within the division as well as with Volkswagen Group’s brands.”