McLaren Automotive appoints Ferrari’s Michael Leiters as CEO

British supercar manufacturer McLaren Automotive has appointed Ferrari chief technology officer Michael Leiters as its new chief executive.

Leiters, who holds a doctorate in engineering, was a director at Porsche AG during more than 12 years with the Volkswagen Group performance brand before spending eight years with the Italian car maker and will officially take up his new role on July 1.

He will be based at McLaren’s global-headquarters at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, and will lead the 3,000-strong workforce spanning a business which also includes the McLaren Composites Technology Centre in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

Commenting on Leiters’ appointment, McLaren Group executive chairman Paul Walsh said: “On behalf of everyone at McLaren, I am delighted to welcome Michael as the new CEO of McLaren Automotive.

“His extensive industry leadership experience combined with his passion for engineering and future technology will help guide and develop our team as we enter an exciting second decade.”

In January Nick Crossley said he is looking forward to working the supercar brand’s franchised retailers as it enters and “exciting new chapter” after he was appointed as market director for the UK market area.

His appointment came five months after George Biggs was appointed as its new commercial executive director to lead global supercar sales operations.

McLaren has more than 100 franchised car retailers in over 40 territories around the globe.

Despite the pandemic, the supercar and hypercar specialist continues to see strong customer demand, particularly for its limited-production models with both the 765LT Coupe and Spider variants entirely sold out along with the Ultimate Series Elva.

Leiters said: “I could not be more excited to be joining McLaren Automotive as CEO at this important moment in its journey.

“McLaren is already recognised as one of the world’s most admired luxury supercar companies.

“I look forward to growing that reputation for our loyal customers, employees, fans and partners as we write the next chapter in McLaren’s illustrious history.”