Being a CEO of a firm is possibly one of the most high profile jobs to have and when you are in the automotive sector, the limelight is brighter than ever. It takes more than your everyday leadership skills to be a CEO of a major automotive company as you have to enhance the growth of your firm even in the face of adversity and compete against some of the toughest opponents. So let us take a look at some of the top CEO's who have been able to accomplish the same.
1. Marry Barra - General Motors
The world has always celebrated female CEO's and in the automotive world, it does not get bigger than General Motors, a firm that has a 107 year history. Marry Barra became the CEO of the coveted company after she managed to bring in a purchasing and supply chain to her domain of responsibilities. Since landing in the role of CEO, she has enabled the firm to achieve its all time highest profitable figures that according to her is a result of her "No more crappy cars" philosophy.
2. Elon Musk - Tesla Motors
If you have managed to appear as an evil villain in popular animated series like "South Park", you must be doing something right. Elon Musk is one of the most well known faces in the automotive industry, as the Tony Stark (Iron Man) of real life has been transforming the industry with his modern technologies. Currently, Elon Musk is the CEO and CTO of SpaceX along with being Chief Product Architect of Tesla Motors.
3. Carlos Ghosn - Renault - Nissan Alliance
Carlos Ghosn's competence has never been in doubt with this dynamic personality handling multiple responsibilities including Chairman and CEO of Renault and Nissan, Chairman of AvtoVAZ and finally Chairman of Renault-Nissan Alliance. Carlos Ghosn is also the man behind the unveiling of the first Datsun Go model in 2013.
4. Mark Fields - Ford
Ford is another big firm that has been around for a whopping 112 years that goes to show the magnitude of the responsibility that the CEO of the firm would have to endure. That is exactly what puts Mark Fields on this list who is the President and CEO of Ford, looking after Product Development, Marketing, Sales and service. Mark Fields has been around for over 25 years in Ford and took over charge from Alan Mulally after serving as a COO for the firm.
5. Bernie Ecclestone - F1
Another dynamic personality on the list is Bernie Ecclestone who is the CEO of Formula One Group managing the commercial rights to sport. The popular sports mogul is no stranger to controversy either and was involved in a bribery case which turned out to be the costliest buyout ever at $100 million.
6. Akio Toyoda - Toyota Motor Corporation
Toyota Motor Corporation is the largest auto manufacturer in the world as far as sales and production is concerned. The firm has almost been a dynasty that has been passed onto Akio Toyoda by his grandfather. Akio Toyoda has led the firm through tough times including 2011 earthquake and Tsunami and transformed the firm into one of the most successful car makers in the world.
7. Sergio Marchionne - FCA
Another man with multiple titles is Sergio Marchionne who is the CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and FCA Italy S.p.A, CEO and Chairman Chrysler group LLC, Chairman of Ferrari and Chairman of SGS. He is better known for leading the merger between Fiat and Chrysler. He is also a race car enthusiast and loves to drive Ferrari and Maserati on tracks.