Sebastian Birkel appointed CEO of Europcar Mobility Group

Europcar Mobility Group has announced the appointment of Sebastian Birkel as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1st, 2025.

Birkel brings with him a wealth of international leadership experience and a proven track record in strategic transformation within the mobility and services sectors.

He succeeds Olivier Baldassari, who has been serving as interim CEO following the departure of Alain Favey. Baldassari will resume his full-time role as Chief Operating Officer of the Group.

Birkel joins Europcar Mobility Group from his most recent role as CEO of the profection Group, a multinational personnel and property services provider employing over 30,000 people. He is best known for his transformative leadership at SIXT North America, where he led the region’s operational turnaround and brand establishment in a highly competitive market. Over five years — more than three of them as CEO — Birkel successfully drove profitability and laid the foundation for sustainable growth. Following his success in North America, he later took on global responsibilities at SIXT, including oversight of vehicle purchasing, accounting, and controlling.

Dr. Christian Dahlheim, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Europcar Mobility Group and CEO of Volkswagen Financial Services AG, welcomed the appointment: “We are delighted to have gained an experienced leader for Europcar Mobility Group in Sebastian Birkel. In view of the current challenges, he brings with him the ideal mix of operational strength, strategic vision and international experience. With his expertise, he will lead Europcar Mobility Group on a sustainable growth path. Welcome to the driver’s seat of Europcar Mobility Group!”

Commenting on his appointment, Birkel said: “I’m looking forward to joining an historical player of this industry, which is also one of the largest mobility services providers in Europe today. As the entire industry is currently facing strong headwinds, my priority will be to steer the Group through this period, but also to build on our strengths for a sustainable future, hand in hand with our teams.”

With this leadership transition, Europcar Mobility Group’s Management Board will consist of Sebastian Birkel as Group CEO; Joachim Hinz as the newly appointed CFO, joining from SEAT with 25 years of international experience in automotive and mobility; and Olivier Baldassari as Chief Operating Officer.