(Bloomberg) — Volkswagen AG Chief Executive Officer Herbert Diess tested positive for coronavirus late last week and is continuing to work in quarantine at his home.
“He has been available for all phone calls and meetings,” spokeswoman Nicole Mommsen said by phone. Diess hasn’t experienced any symptoms “that might have prevented him from doing his job.”
Diess, who is vaccinated and has received a booster, was given a PCR test late last week. His contacts were also tested and all were negative. The CEO is expected to be available to return to the office or resume travel next week.
VW earlier this month expanded its in-house vaccination and testing program for employees and their relatives. Since June, the German auto giant has administered about 100,000 doses — including first, second and booster shots — at sites in Germany.
Diess joins a list of corporate leaders forced to stay home because of the recent resurgence of the coronavirus. Virgin Group founder Richard Branson caught the virus earlier this month, preventing the billionaire from ringing the opening bell at the Nasdaq exchange on which his Virgin Orbit satellite launch company was listed late last year. Branson, 71, said he was vaccinated and his symptoms were mild.
(Updates with VW vaccination plan in fourth paragraph.)
More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
©2022 Bloomberg L.P.
