Architect of Ferrari SUV takes reins at McLaren

CEO Mike Flewitt stepped down from the top job last year, after promising McLaren would never build an SUV under his leadership.

The question of whether McLaren will build an SUV appears to have been answered overnight, with the appointment of Michael Leiters to CEO.

Mr Leiters is currently the Chief Technology Officer at Ferrari, and in the position oversaw development of the high-riding Purosangue.

However, from 1 July 2022 the German 50-year-old will jump ship and take the reins at McLaren’s headquarters in Woking.

Leiters moves into the top job following the unexplained resignation of Mike Flewitt in October last year, who was not immediately replaced.

Flewitt long said McLaren would never build an SUV under his leadership, however the company has been tight-lipped on plans since his departure.

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

“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.”

Speaking to AutoCar in 2019, Leiters said: “I’m convinced [of the Ferrari Purosangue] and the technical concept.”

“The challenge is to open a new segment for Ferrari … The trade-off decision is totally different for us here. We will have totally new engineering challenges.”

Earlier this week Drive reported a McLaren SUV was almost inevitable, and published renders showing how such a vehicle might look (above).

The British supercar maker has been struggling financially for some time, and last year rumours emerged of a possible buyout by the Volkswagen Group.

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