Driving the Future: Software at the Core of Mobility

Mario: When I first spoke with the teams at Audi, I immediately felt the passion and drive they have — not just for cars, but for innovation, transformation and software. It was clear to me that Audi is serious about becoming a software-driven and AI-powered company. That vision resonated deeply with me and ultimately inspired me to make the move from my previous role.

At the same time, it was also clear to me that there is still a lot of work to be done — transforming a company with such a strong legacy into a truly software-driven organization is a bold and complex journey.

What impressed me the most is that this isn’t just a buzzword or a departmental initiative. The commitment to digital transformation runs throughout the company — from the development teams all the way up to the CEO.

At Audi, I see the opportunity to help bring software competence back to the core of what we do, and to be part of a team that’s shaping the future of mobility. It’s more than a job — it’s a mission I believe in.

Mario: At Audi, the big topic is the Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) — our next-generation electronic architecture. I’m responsible for helping shape this transformation, working closely with our partner company RVT (Rivian & Volkswagen Group Technologies). Together, we’re rethinking how Audi builds cars, bringing in a startup mindset to drive real change.

The focus is clearly on software. We’re not just building vehicles — we’re aiming to create intelligent, connected systems. That means reimagining development processes, becoming faster, more agile. A key area is CI/CD: continuous integration and delivery of software. Our goal is to move from months-long development cycles to regular daily feedbacks on software, unlocking speed, quality, and innovation.

I see myself as someone who brings fresh energy and new ways of thinking. My mission is to help accelerate Audi’s journey into the future — with bold ideas, a strong commitment to change, and a revolutionary spirit that challenges the status quo.

Mario: What truly drives me is making a meaningful impact. Whether it’s transforming processes, new ways of working, or improving the daily lives of developers — every step forward matters. At Audi, I’m helping shape the vision for the Software Defined Vehicle (SDV), and if that vision isn’t fully defined yet, I help create it — along with a strategy to get us there.

I think I’m a very self-motivated person. I enjoy bringing energy into the room and enabling others to do their best work. I love giving people a blank sheet of paper and saying: ‘Here’s the vision — now you have the freedom to shape how we get there.’ I don’t believe in strict instructions for everything. I believe in trust, creativity, and collaboration.

What keeps me going is the effort we put in together, the collaboration, and the visible impact we make. When I see people getting on board with the vision, when their actions move things forward — sometimes even faster than expected — that’s incredibly inspiring. That’s when I know: We’re making a real difference.

Mario: Two moments stand out for me at Audi — one emotional, one transformational.
The first was when I got my very first Audi. That was a big moment. The driving experience — the engine sound, the responsiveness, the way the car behaves — felt like a strong connection between driver and machine. It was more than just driving, it was a feeling of precision and trust. That emotional bond with the product still motivates me today.

The second moment came after my first employee information event where I shared our vision for software and new ways of working. I literally got flooded by feedback and questions, showing great enthusiasm but also great knowledge of the technical challenges of the current development. It made me realize how passionate people are about the product and how eager they are to bring their expertise back into shaping it.

Mario: Audi is on a path to becoming a software-driven company — and I’m proud to be part of that transformation. It’s not just a vision, it’s embedded in our strategy and backed by strong commitment from leadership. That’s powerful.

We’re building a flexible, updateable and AI-centric platform that will redefine the driving experience. Future vehicles won’t just drive — they’ll understand, think, and adapt. Personalized interaction, intelligent features and rapid responsiveness to customer needs will become the new standard. True to our motto ‘Vorsprung durch Technik,’ we’re shaping a future where technology truly leads.

At the same time, we’re evolving how we work. Audi is shifting from a traditional tier 1-based model to a faster, more agile, software-first approach. We´re implementing modern development practices and working closely with suppliers to match their code to our needs and systems.

Mario: My contribution is more than just technical — it’s about laying the foundation for something truly transformative. We’re building the core of modern, agile, and scalable software development at Audi. With CI/CD, a unified software platform, and the power of AI, we’re creating the basis for vehicles that don’t just function — they evolve. They learn, adapt, and improve every day.

What drives me is knowing that behind every line of code, there’s a real impact for our customers. We’re not just speeding up processes — we’re redefining what progress means. And it all starts with how we work. By transforming our development practices, we’re opening the door to a future where innovation happens every day. That’s where I see us making a real difference.

Mario: For me, one thing is absolutely clear: Transformation only succeeds when we do it together. It’s not a solo mission — it’s a shared journey. That’s why I don’t see myself just as a leader, but as someone who enables others. I want to create space where people feel safe to be bold, to think differently, to take ownership and grow.

I believe in the power of trust and creativity. When people feel empowered, amazing things happen. And at Audi, you can feel that spirit. The team energy is strong, the ambition is real, and the willingness to shape the future together is inspiring. That’s exactly what we need to reach the ambitious goals we’ve set — and I’m proud to be part of it.

Mario: What drives us every day at Audi goes far beyond technology — it’s about mindset and heart. Trust, responsibility, courage, and enthusiasm aren’t just words, they shape how we work together. We trust our teams to explore new ideas and create bold solutions. We take responsibility — not only for the quality of our software, but for its role in shaping the future of mobility.

We show courage by questioning the status quo, by daring to rethink established processes, and by venturing into new territory. And we do all of this with genuine enthusiasm — because we believe in the journey we’re on. We’re not just building software, we’re building the digital future of Audi. And that’s something we’re deeply proud of.