Back to the Future as Stephan Winklemann returns as President and CEO of Lamborghini
Nov 20, 2020
Stephan Winkelmann was President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini from 2005 to 2016, during which time he transformed Lamborghini into a global leader in the manufacture of super sports cars
Lamborghini welcomes back a familiar face from December 1, 2020 as former President and CEO, Stephan Winkelmann will again take up the position of President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
Stephan Winkelmann succeeds Stefano Domenicali, who, following a successful tender at the Italian supercar marque will take over as CEO of Formula 1 starting from 2021. Winkelmann will also remain president of Bugatti.
Stephan Winkelmann was President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini from 2005 to 2016, during which time he transformed Lamborghini into a global leader in the manufacture of super sports cars. Prior to first joining Lamborghini Winkelmann held a variety of senior positions in the Fiat Group.
Lamborghini models introduced under Winkelmann started with derivatives of the Gallardo and ranged through introductions of the V10 Huracán and V12 Aventador as well as limited editions and one-offs, setting numerous new sales records. In 2015 the third model line was announced, the Super SUV Urus, to be constructed in Sant'Agata Bolognese, and marking the beginning of a new era for the company.
In March 2016 Winkelmann became CEO of Audi Sport GmbH before joining Bugatti Automobiles as president at the beginning of 2018.
Stephan Winkelmann has decisively shaped the history of Lamborghini,” says Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “No one else stands more clearly for the Lamborghini brand, and he is exactly the right person to lead this unique brand into a successful future.
When asked about re-joining Lamborghini Mr. Winklemann commented “It is a great honor and pleasure for me to lead these two unique companies with their extraordinary automobiles. I am looking forward to the new challenge. Bugatti stands for the best, most powerful, elegant and luxurious hyper sports cars in the world. Lamborghini is the iconic expression of the most exclusive super sports cars demonstrating outstanding design and innovation. Our creativity in both companies is by no means finished and the world is assured some surprises.”
Stefano Domenicali since joining Lamborghini in 2016, has continued the process of Lamborghini’s transformation, with the introduction of the Super Urus SUV in 2018 and a significant growth of the brand on the world stage. In the last four years under his management, the production site in Sant’Agata Bolognese has doubled; more than 700 employees have been hired and the brand has achieved awareness levels unprecedented in the company’s history.
Reflecting on his successful time leading the iconic Italian stable Mr. Domenicali commented:
“Automobili Lamborghini was an exceptional experience for me, both personally and professionally. It has been a true privilege and I wish Stephan Winkelmann great success in leading this fantastic brand.”