VW power struggle ends as board backs CEO, compromises with unions Staff and wire reports Diess is pushing for faster and more thorough reform at VW. MUNICH -- Volkswagen Group CEO Herbert Diess won backing from the automaker's supervisory board in a move that temporarily defuses a power struggle over his strategy to accelerate the automaker's push toward electric vehicles. A statement from the supervisory board on Monday said members "unanimously resolved" to give its full support to Diess' strategy, in particular the orientation of the company toward electromobility and digitalization." "Over the coming years, the executive board will implement this strategy under Herbert Diess' leadership," the board said.