Former Ferrari tech boss is new McLaren CEO

Michael Leiters to lead McLaren's road car division

There's a new sheriff in McLaren town.

McLaren Automotive has announced the appointment of Michael Leiters as their new Chief Executive Officer. Leiters is effectively replacing Mike Flewitt who served as McLaren Automotive's CEO for eight years.

The new boss of the British luxury supercar and hypercar maker holds a doctorate in engineering and has previously worked as a senior executive at Porsche AG, playing an important role in the development of the marque's Cayenne SUV.

More recently, the 50-year-old Leiters was the Chief Technology Officer of Ferrari. He was involved in the development of the 296 GTB and the SF90, the Italian brand's first series-production hybrids, as well as the upcoming Purosangue SUV, Ferrari's first-ever crossover.

The German-born CEO will lead McLaren's road car division that also just recently launched its first series-production hybrid supercar, the Altura.

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

On the other hand, McLaren Racing, the brand's motorsport division, remains under current CEO Zak Brown's directive. Both Brown and Leiters are based at the McLaren Technology Center in Woking, England.

Both Porsche and Ferrari have entered the SUV arena with Leiters working for them. Now that he's with McLaren, will they be the next to build one? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.