McLaren has named ex-Ferrari technology boss Michael Leiters as its new CEO, confirming speculation that surfaced last week. The German effectively replaces Brit Mike Flewitt, who left the company last year after eight years in charge.
Leiters, 50, helped oversee the introduction of Ferrari’s first series production hybrids, the SF90 and 296 GTB, as well as the Purosangue crossover, which is yet to be released. But he was one of three Ferrari executives left out in the cold when the Italian supercar maker instigated a management reshuffle at the end of 2021.
Leiters, brand and marketing expert Nicola Boari and chief manufacturing officer Vincenzo Regazzoni were all ousted to make way for what Ferrari called “a new organizational structure, consistent with its strategic goals of exclusivity, excellence and sustainability.”
Before his time at Ferrari, Leiters was employed by Porsche where he played a role in the development of the marque’s massively important Cayenne SUV. That connection to Porsche and the VW Group empire could have something to do with his appointment. Audi has admitted to having takeover talks with McLaren, and German news reports suggest the German company has already made more than one offer to secure the Woking supercar maker.
Related: Audi Determined To Bag McLaren, Raises Offer For F1 Division By 44%, Report Says
Leiters arrives just as Artura, McLaren’s first series hybrid, is about to launch
“I could not be more excited to be joining McLaren Automotive as CEO at this important moment in its journey,” Leiters said in a statement. “McLaren is already recognized 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.”
That next chapter starts with the release of the Artura hybrid, the replacement for the 570S-series entry level car, and one whose delay was probably one of the reasons former CEO Mike Flewitt exited the company.
Flewitt’s team was also against McLaren building an SUV or crossover, despite every other significant exotic rival from Aston Martin to Rolls-Royce now offering one. But with Audi looking to swoop in, potentially giving McLaren ready access to an SUV platform, and a new boss with tons of SUV experience under his belt, who’d bet against McLaren’s position changing in the coming years?