AUTO1 Group Names Christian Wallentin as New CFO Amid Growth Push
Europe's leading digital automotive platform AUTO1 Group appoints experienced financial executive Christian Wallentin as CFO, signaling strategic focus on financing expansion in the used car market.
AUTO1 Group SE, Europe's leading digital automotive platform for buying, selling and financing used cars, announced that Christian Wallentin will become the new Chief Financial Officer effective January 1, 2026. Wallentin will succeed Markus Boser, who is stepping down after ten years with the company. The appointment comes with a three-month transition period beginning October 1, 2025, to ensure a smooth handover of financial leadership responsibilities.
Wallentin brings over 20 years of banking and finance experience to the role, most recently serving as Deputy CEO and CFO at Hoist Finance, an asset manager specializing in non-performing loans. His background includes senior leadership roles at Nordea, where he led the merger of Nordea's and DNB's Baltic operations that resulted in the establishment of Luminor, a bank with EUR 15 billion in assets and 3,000 employees. Earlier in his career, Wallentin worked in private equity at Permira and in investment banking at Goldman Sachs.
Hakan Koc, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AUTO1 Group, expressed confidence in the appointment, stating that Wallentin's extensive financial expertise and leadership capabilities position him well to guide the company's financial strategy. The leadership change occurs as AUTO1 Group continues to pursue growth ambitions, particularly in the financing segment of its operations. Christian Bertermann, CEO of AUTO1 Group, emphasized the importance of Wallentin's contributions to the company's expansion plans in Europe's used car market.
Outgoing CFO Markus Boser played a crucial role in establishing AUTO1 Group's financial foundation during his decade-long tenure, overseeing all financial activities including the company's initial public offering in February 2021. Under his leadership, AUTO1 Group evolved from a startup to a publicly listed company on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, achieving significant financial milestones including EUR 6.3 billion in revenue and 690,000 cars sold in 2024. The company operates across more than 30 countries with approximately 6,300 employees through its three main brands: wirkaufendeinauto.de, Autohero, and AUTO1.com.
Wallentin's appointment signals AUTO1 Group's continued focus on strengthening its financial operations and expanding its market position in Europe's used car sector. His experience in corporate development and financial transformation aligns with the company's strategic objectives, particularly as it seeks to capitalize on growth opportunities in automotive financing. The leadership transition represents a significant milestone for the company as it positions itself for continued expansion in the competitive digital automotive marketplace. For additional information about the company's operations and services, visit https://www.auto1-group.com.