Mladá Boleslav, 30 September 2025 – Jozef Baláž returns to lead Škoda Auto’s Corporate Communications, a role he previously held from 2011 to 2017. He succeeds Tomáš Kotera, who is leaving Škoda after more than 25 years in domestic and international roles to pursue a new professional opportunity.
“I’m delighted to welcome Jozef back to the communications department. His extensive experience and proven track record within both Škoda and the broader Volkswagen Group will be important assets as we navigate this demanding period of transformation and global growth. At the same time, I would like to thank Tomáš for his many years with the Škoda brand. He has done an outstanding job for Corporate Communications and we wish him every success in his professional and personal future.”
Tom Drechsler, Head of Škoda Auto Communications
In his new role, Jozef Baláž will oversee all corporate communications activities, reporting to Head of Communications, Tom Drechsler. Baláž brings extensive communications experience from both Škoda Auto and the Volkswagen Group. He joined Škoda Auto’s Communications department in 2000, served as Communications Manager at Volkswagen Bratislava in 2009 and 2010, and from 2011 led Corporate Communications at Škoda Auto, the post to which he now returns. Between 2017 and 2023, he worked in Beijing at Volkswagen Group China, first as Director of PR and Communications and later as Head of the Škoda brand. After returning to Škoda Auto, he spent nearly two years as Head of Customer Experience & Engagement.
After more than 25 years with Škoda Auto, Tomáš Kotera has decided to take on a new professional challenge outside the Volkswagen Group. He joined Škoda Auto in 1999 and worked in various communications roles, leading Corporate Communications from August 2017. From 2013 to 2017, he served as Director of PR and Communications for Škoda China within Volkswagen Group China.