Stephan Winkelmann returns to Automobili Lamborghini:
• He will also remain President of Bugatti
• Winkelmann succeeds Stefano Domenicali who leaves to head Formula 1
Sant’Agata Bolognese, 18 November 2020 – Stephan Winkelmann will be the new President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini as of December 1, 2020. He succeeds Stefano Domenicali, who will take over as Formula One CEO in 2021. Winkelmann will also continue to serve as Bugatti president.
Stephan Winkelmann was President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini from 2005 to 2016, during which time he made Lamborghini one of the world’s leading supercar manufacturers. Before joining Lamborghini for the first time, Winkelmann held various management positions within the Fiat Group.
Lamborghini models under the leadership of Winkelmann have set countless new sales records, starting with derivatives of the Gallardo, from the introduction of the V10 Huracán and V12 Aventador to limited editions and one-offs. In 2015, the release of the third model series, the super SUV Urus, will be built in Sant’Agata Bologna, marking the beginning of a new era for the company. In March 2016, Winkelmann became CEO of Quattro GmbH (now Audi Sport GmbH) before joining Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. as president in early 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.”
“In the name of the whole management board of AUDI AG, I would like to thank Stefano Domenicali for his superb achievements and his dedication to Lamborghini. In the past four years he has shaped the transformation of the brand and pushed it ahead,” says Markus Duesmann. “We wish him every success in his new role as CEO of Formula 1.”
Stephan Winkelmann comments: “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 Lamborghini’s transformation process, launching the Super Urus SUV in 2018, and the brand’s significant growth on the world stage. Under his leadership, the production facility in Sant’Agata Bolognese has doubled in size over the past four years. More than 700 people have been employed, and the brand has gained recognition unparalleled in the company’s history. More significant growth in global sales: 8,205 units shipped to customers in 2019, double the pre-launch Urus: in all three key market regions of the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific Sales records were recorded, with a single turnover of 1.81 billion euros in 2019.
Stefano Domenicali comments: “I will take over a new professional challenge in the knowledge that I have experienced an extraordinary organisation and exceptional colleagues: I am very attached to the women and men of Lamborghini. Together we achieved incredible goals, breaking record after record. I leave at a high point for the company, knowing that the solid long-term strategy put in place assures a continued bright future for the brand. I thank Audi and the Volkswagen Group for their continued support during these years of collaboration. 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.”