McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt steps down after 8 years

In a surprising turn, McLaren has confirmed that its chief executive officer Mike Flewitt is set to step down following a whirlwind eight years at the helm. 

Flewitt joined McLaren in 2012, first starting out in the chief operating officer role before becoming CEO. 

Barring the launch of the MP4-12C in 2011, Flewitt has effectively been a part of every McLaren launched in the subsequent years, while specifically overseeing the launches of the Senna, Speedtail, Elva, and forthcoming Artura.

The announcement seemingly comes out of the blue, and does not detail what’s set to come next for Flewitt. Nor does it seem like there’s a natural successor waiting in the wings; McLaren confirming that it’s on the hunt for a replacement. 

“I feel incredibly proud to have led McLaren Automotive through most of its first, highly-successful decade and am privileged to have played a part in the incredible McLaren story,” said Flewitt.

“This young company’s success is testament to the many passionate and talented people I have had the pleasure of working with and I look forward to seeing that success continue.”

“Mike has been instrumental in McLaren now being recognized as one of the world’s leading luxury supercar brands, achieving the heights of success that have taken our competitors many more decades to achieve,” said Paul Walsh, Executive Chairman of the McLaren Group. 

“We thank Mike for his tremendous contribution and wish him all the very best in his future endeavors.”