McLaren Automotive, the Surrey based developer of luxury sports and super cars, has hired Dr. Jens Ludmann as Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective from May 2, this year. Ludmann will report to CEO Mike Flewitt.
Dr. Ludmann signs up with McLaren in the second year of its Track22 business strategy to concentrate on further developing internal working processes, relationships, and disciplines. His departmental duties will include Product Development, Purchasing, Supplier Quality Assurance and Manufacturing, managing the launch of a additional 14 new models or derivatives throughout the next five years. Earlier roles include Chief Engineer Product Development at Ford Motor, Chief Technical Officer at Qoros Auto, as well as Executive Vice President of the global engineering service provider FEV GmbH.
Mike Flewitt stated: “Jens brings a broad and global wealth of experience from across the Automotive market, having worked in numerous senior technical and leadership roles. I feel with Jen’s successful track record of managing and developing businesses, creating and improving teams and driving profitability, he is clearly the right person to fulfill the COO role for McLaren Automotive.”
Dr. Ludmann replied, saying that, “It is a real privilege to be asked to join the leadership team of a company as innovative and thrilling as McLaren Automotive. Its rapid rise to success is unparalleled in the automotive world and I can’t wait to become part of the next chapter which begins now with the launch of the second-generation Super Series. The new 720S is an amazing car, one which I am very much looking forward to driving.”
Cars and driving are both interests of Jens Ludmann, who holds an International C Race Licence and frequently competes in the challenging Nürburgring 24 Hours race. He is also presently restoring a 1965 Land Rover Series II.
The COO role at McLaren Automotive has been inactive since July 2013 when Mike Flewitt, previously COO from June 2012, became CEO.