Despite his German ancestry, Stephan Winkelmann has spent virtually all his life in Italy. The son of German parents, he was born in Berlin, but moved with his family to Rome when he was a baby. Growing up in Italy eventually led him to his formal schooling where he studied political science. After graduating, he spent two years as a paratrooper, jumping out of perfectly good airplanes, as a Lieutenant in the German Army.
Professionally, his career started in the financial field, but after a year he landed at Mercedes-Benz. The automotive bug bit, and he then went to Fiat Auto, where he remained for 11 years, rising to the position of CEO of Fiat Auto-Germany. There he was responsible for the Fiat, Alfa-Romeo, and Lancia brands, but his experience piqued Lamborghini’s interest.
Winkelmann has been President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini since 2005 and has overseen the whole transformation and evolution of the supercar maker under the supervision of Audi, its present owner. Since then under his guidance Lamborghini has launched numerous models and increased its footprint in many countries.