Ultra Luxury Leaders: The Power List 100 2023
Being the head of an ultra-luxury brand is no easy task. These leaders must work with limited finances to create world-beating cars that have to impress some of the toughest customers. However, if they get it right, the rewards are immense. This is evident at Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Lamborghini. On the other hand, getting it wrong can be a tough mountain to climb. But leaders like Lawrence Stroll at Aston Martin and Michael Leiters at McLaren are proving they have the resilience needed. In this article, we celebrate these leaders in the Power List 100, sponsored by Keyloop.
Lawrence Stroll, Chairman, Aston Martin
Taking on the role of chairman at Aston Martin a few years ago was no easy feat. However, Lawrence Stroll has proven himself to be the right person for the job. After surviving an array of financial challenges, Stroll has come out the other side stronger. Aston Martin’s first electric car is on the horizon, and the brand plans to introduce eight new sports cars by 2026. Shares in Aston Martin are also on the rise, with revenues in the first half of 2023 increasing by 25% year-on-year.
Michael Leiters, CEO, McLaren Automotive
McLaren is going through a busy period of transformation. With the introduction of the hybrid-powered Artura last year, the British brand entered the electrified era. Under the leadership of new CEO Michael Leiters, McLaren saw a slight increase in sales last year. However, Leiters has bigger plans to evolve the car maker’s offering beyond mid-engined supercars. An SUV has been rumored to be in the works.
Benedetto Vigna, CEO, Ferrari
Benedetto Vigna’s legacy at Ferrari will be defined by the success of the Purosangue, the brand’s first SUV. Since taking the helm in 2021, Vigna has already brought record-breaking success to Ferrari. Sales reached 13,221 in the previous year, up from 11,155 in 2021.
Stephan Winkelmann, CEO, Lamborghini
Stephan Winkelmann is known as one of the mavericks of the automotive world. With his sharp looks and sharp outlook on luxury car selling, Winkelmann is leading major changes at Lamborghini. He returned to the brand in 2020 after a stint at Bugatti and is overseeing the production of Lamborghini’s last combustion-engined model. Winkelmann is also pushing the brand forward into an electrified age.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, Rolls-Royce
Under the leadership of Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce continues to punch well above its weight in global exposure. Despite not having the sales numbers of other brands, Rolls-Royce has successfully tapped into the global elite’s ever-expanding appetite for luxury. Sales reached a record 15,174 last year.
Adrian Hallmark, CEO Bentley
Adrian Hallmark’s value to Bentley cannot be overstated. Since his return as CEO, Bentley has achieved record sales despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and supply issues. Hallmark’s bold electrification plan has positioned Bentley for a successful future.
The Power List 100
The Power List 100 ranks the world’s most influential automotive heads based on criteria such as global reach and influence, spending power, share of voice, technological influence, future growth potential, and market capitalization. The top 10 are ranked, while the remaining 90 names are grouped into categories representing executives from traditional car makers, rising powerhouses from China, and the latest technology and mobility companies.
The editors of Autocar Business, the B2B product from the publisher of Autocar, have chosen these names to bring industry readers closer to the inner workings and key players of the global automotive industry.
In conclusion, the leaders in the ultra-luxury world face unique challenges in creating exceptional cars with limited resources. However, those who succeed are rewarded greatly. The Power List 100 celebrates the achievements of these leaders, highlighting their contributions to the automotive industry.