Lotus says former European automotive supplier body, CLEPA chief, Jean-Marc Gales, has been appointed as its new CEO.
The surprise news follows Gales’ departure from Brussels-based CLEPA this week, where he was at the helm of the supplier association’s key lobbying role within the European Commission highlighting issues such as CO2 emissions and trade harmonisation.
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Aslam Farikullah, current chief operating officer of Group Lotus, is to remain as member of the board of Lotus Cars.
“This is an exciting time for Lotus and Jean-Marc’s appointment could not have come at a more appropriate time, especially taking into account our plans for Lotus,” said Lotus owner, Proton CEO, Dato’ Adbul Harith Abdulla.
“We believe with his strong technical and managerial expertise and leadership, Jean-Marc will be able to drive the Lotus transformation plan and further enhance Lotus’ business and capabilities.”
Before joining CLEPA, Gales was the president of Automobiles Citroen and Automobiles Peugeot between 2009 and 2012, where he restructured the sales value chain and implemented a new brand strategy for the DS Line, as well as introducing the Citroen DS in major markets around the world.
Gales’ other previous appointments include several senior positions in Daimler, General Motors and Volkswagen.
Gales was not immediately available for comment.
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