Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on October 17, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleMichael Leiters, former McLaren CEO, is a top candidate for Porsche CEO, potentially replacing Oliver Blume. His experience spans Porsche, McLaren, and Ferrari.
(Reuters) -Porsche on Friday named Michael Leiters, former chief executive of McLaren, as a potential successor to CEO Oliver Blume in a move which could end Blume's dual leadership role after criticism from investors.
Blume took the helm at Porsche 10 years ago but for the past three years has also been CEO of parent Volkswagen. Both automakers are undergoing restructuring that some investors have said requires a CEO's undivided attention.
Below are some key facts about Michael Leiters:
* Leiters was head of McLaren Automotive for close to three years, between July 2022 and April 2025. He stepped down from his role following the company's merger with EV start-up Forseven.
* Under his leadership, McLaren launched four models, including the company's latest and potentially last model solely powered by an internal combustion engine, the 750S.
* Leiters previously worked for Stuttgart-based Porsche between 2000 and 2013.
* During that period, his roles included executive assistant to the CEO between August 2003 and August 2006 and project manager for the brand's Cayenne hybrid between September 2006 and Sept 2010. He was appointed product line director in Oct 2010, a role that he carried out until leaving for Ferrari.
* Leiters worked as chief technology officer for Italian luxury carmaker Ferrari between 2014 and 2019.
* At Ferrari, he helped develop Ferrari's first two hybrid electric models, the SF90 Stradale and the 296 GTB.
* Leiters, who is German, holds a doctorate in engineering and a mechanical engineering diploma, both from RWTH Aachen University.
(Reporting by Tristan Veyet; Editing by Matt Scuffham)
A merger is a business combination where two companies join to form a new entity, often to enhance competitiveness, achieve economies of scale, or expand market reach.
An internal combustion engine is a type of engine that generates power by burning fuel within the engine itself, commonly used in vehicles and machinery.
A product line director oversees the development and management of a specific line of products within a company, ensuring they meet market demands and align with business goals.
A hybrid electric model is a vehicle that combines a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system, aiming to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
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