Porsche is in talks with Michael Leiters, former director of McLaren, to replace Oliver Blume as the top executive at the German sports car manufacturer. Porsche has been under pressure for a long time to replace Blume, who leads both Porsche and Volkswagen.
Blume’s dual role worries investors, as both automakers struggle with American import tariffs and declining sales in China, where local manufacturers like BYD are taking over the market. The 2015-appointed Blume (photo 2) remains CEO at Volkswagen, reports Porsche.
According to Porsche’s supervisory board, Leiters is available as a “potential successor for the position of board chairman” and negotiations with him have been initiated. The German-born Leiters led the British sports car manufacturer until April. He previously held positions at Porsche, where he oversaw the development and production of the Cayenne SUV, before moving to Ferrari and then to McLaren.