Auto1 Group shares fall after new CFO appointment

** Shares of German Auto1 Group AG1 fall around 5%, after the company announced a new chief financial officer in Christian Wallentin

** Wallentin is succeeding Markus Boser who is stepping down from the role

** Metzler analyst Pal Skirta said the appointment of Christian Wallentin for 2026 is expected to strengthen Auto1 Group's financing operations across both merchant and retail channels

** "His appointment might signal AUTO1's intent to further institutionalize and scale its financial services platform," Skirta said

** Wallentin previously held the positions of Deputy CEO and CFO at Hoist Finance, a firm specializing in non-performing loans

** Some investors may view the move cautiously, Skirta added, "An increased emphasis on the financing business could dilute the company's 'platform-only' narrative, while Wallentin's background in non-performing loans may also raise some concerns"

** Shares were seen down 4.8% to 27.6 euros per share at 10:32 GMT, paring losses after falling as much as 7%

** If losses hold, shares will see their worst day since May

** Up to the previous session's close, shares were up 85.9%​ YTD