Former Ferrari CTO Named As New McLaren Automotive CEO

McLaren has a new CEO. Today, the automaker announced that Michael Leiters will take over the role on July 1, 2022. He replaces longtime McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt, who stepped down from the role in October 2021.

“I am very excited to join McLaren Automotive as CEO at this important moment in his journey,” said Leiters. “McLaren is recognized as one of the most admired luxury supercar companies in the world.” He added that he hopes to improve the brand’s reputation.

Leiters joined McLaren after serving as Ferrari’s Chief Technical Officer. Leiters left his role at the end of last year as Ferrari overhauled its organizational structure. Ferrari gets a new CEO in 2021 as the company prepares its first SUV and looks to address the electrification of its lineup.

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Leiters also spent time at Porsche, holding senior positions at the automaker. Leiters, 50, born in Germany, holds a doctorate in engineering.

“His extensive industry leadership experience combined with his passion for engineering and future technology will help guide and develop our team as we enter into an exciting second decade,” said McLaren Group Executive Chairman Paul Walsh.

When he takes over the role later this year, Leiters will lead the 3,000-member team from McLaren’s global headquarters in Surrey, England. He will oversee the McLaren Technical Center, the McLaren Production Center and the McLaren Composite Technology Centre.

McLaren navigates a changing auto industry like any other supercar maker. The company is preparing to launch its new hybrid production supercar, the Artura, which the company says will start shipping soon. McLaren is not immune to the supply chain woes affecting other industries. The shortage of computer chips put it off.

The Artura, the brand’s first series-production hybrid, combines an electric motor with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 671 horsepower (500 kilowatts) and a combined 593 pound-feet (804 Newton-meters) of torque. Leiters’ appointment as CEO comes just weeks after rumors emerged that McLaren and BMW were teaming up on an electric car platform.