McLaren Automotive, the UK-based producer of high performance sports cars, has appointed Mike Flewitt, an industry veteran, as the new chief executive officer.

The announcement comes as the company prepares for first deliveries of its most ambitious and technologically advanced product to date, the McLaren P1, said a statement from the auto giant.

The company is also gearing up for the launches in its 25th new market in just two years and has reaffirmed a commitment to reveal a new product every year and goal to reach a global network of 50 retailers by the end of 2013 – a symbolic number given this is the year that McLaren Group celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Before joining McLaren, Mike was the VP, Manufacturing, Ford of Europe, and corporate officer, Ford Motor Company – positions that culminated nine years with the company.

Before joining Ford, he held senior manufacturing and operations roles at TWR Group Limited, AutoNova AB and Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motor Cars Limited.

Commenting on the appointment, chairman Ron Dennis said: "I am very pleased to announce the promotion of Flewitt to CEO. Mike has proven to be an automotive professional of the highest calibre and since joining the company one year ago he has contributed significantly to the delivery of the McLaren Automotive vision."

The company has already achieved a great deal, including launching three of the world’s most exciting high performance sports cars, establishing a global dealer network and developing the world class McLaren Production Centre, he noted.

"McLaren Automotive has laid solid foundations for a great future and I am confident that as CEO Mike will play a major role in helping the company to achieve its potential," he added.
 
Mike, who joined McLaren Automotive in May of 2012, was previously the chief operating officer. This role ceases to exist with his appointment as CEO which is effective immediately.

Mike qualified in Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering in 1987 and completed a post-graduate qualification in Management and Project Management at Salford University in 1996. He is also a car enthusiast and a keen driver, on track and off.

On his new role, Mike said: "In the year I have been with McLaren, we have launched the 12C Spider and revealed the McLaren P1, both outstanding sports cars and testament to the talented and hard-working team I am honoured to be a part of."

"We have a solid product and business plan in place for the future which I look forward to steering. McLaren is a very exciting place to be right now," he added.-TradeArabia News Service