There's plenty of good news coming out of Lotus at the moment; the promise of considerable Geely investment at Hethel a much needed boost to go alongside the range of staggeringly good - if largely familiar, yes - driver-focused sports cars.
Now there's confirmation of Phil Popham as the new CEO, replacing Jean-Marc Gales. His role will also encompass a position as Senior Vice President - Commercial Operations for Group Lotus. He comes in from the CEO job at Sunseeker International, a position he had held for four years, which followed nine years as JLR's Global Operations Director. In fact, prior to Sunseeker and barring a stint with VW between 1999 and 2001, Popham's entire career since graduation had been with Land Rover. You don't need us to remind you what a 21st century success story Land Rover - JLR since the companies formally aligned themselves - has been.
Popham said of his new employment: "I have spent my career working with, and have a passion for, famous British luxury, high-tech and pioneering brands and Lotus, with its amazing history, definitely fits into that category. I am looking forward to being part of the team that will drive the substantial future growth of the Lotus business."
Another exciting and positive step forward for Lotus, then, with Popham's decades of experience in the UK car industry surely to prove invaluable. Feng Qingfeng, Geely Vice President, said he was "delighted" at Popham's appointment at "this important time in our 70-year history." Popham's tenure at Lotus begins on October 1st.
PHers are already discussing Popham's new role in the forum - join the chat here.
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