Stephan Winkelmann assumed the presidency and CEO position of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. in December 2020, marking his return to the brand. Born in Berlin in 1964, he spent his formative years in Rome where his father served as a diplomat, eventually pursuing academic studies in political science and military service before entering the automotive sector.
Early Career and Education
Winkelmann graduated with an MA from LMU Munich in 1991. Between his studies, he completed two years of service within the German Armed Forces as a paratrooper, serving in Calw, Nagold, and Altenstadt and achieving the rank of lieutenant of the reserve. His professional entry into the corporate world began in 1990 at the financial services provider MLP before shifting his focus toward the automotive industry.
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In 1993, he secured a position as a sales representative for Mercedes-Benz in Munich. By 1994, he commenced a decade-long tenure with Fiat, holding various roles across Alfa Romeo, Lancia, and Fiat Professional. His responsibilities included marketing and sales management for the Italian market during the launch of the Alfa Romeo 156, and later as managing director for Fiat's operations in Austria and Switzerland. By 2004, he moved back to Germany to act as CEO of Fiat Automobil AG.
Leadership at Lamborghini and Audi
Winkelmann joined the Volkswagen Group in 2005, serving as the President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini in Sant'Agata Bolognese until 2016. During this period, sales for the brand increased by 300 percent. He oversaw the introduction of the Gallardo, Murciélago, Aventador, and Huracán, as well as the development of the Urus SUV. Between 2016 and 2018, he directed quattro GmbH, now known as Audi Sport GmbH, as its managing director.
Executive Roles at Bugatti
In January 2018, Winkelmann took over as president of Bugatti Automobiles, succeeding Wolfgang Dürheimer. During his leadership, the company released several models and variants, including the Divo, Centodieci, La Voiture Noire, and Bolide, in addition to derivatives of the Chiron. He simultaneously maintained his connection to the luxury sector through his participation on the supervisory boards of Comité Colbert and the Italian luxury association Altagamma.
Fast facts
- Born: 1964, Berlin
- Citizenship: Italy
- Education: MA in political science, LMU Munich (1991)
- Military service: Paratrooper, German Armed Forces
- Lamborghini tenure: 2005–2016 and from 2020
- Bugatti tenure: From 2018
- Notable honor: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (2014)
Questions readers ask
What military rank did Stephan Winkelmann achieve?
He reached the rank of lieutenant of the reserve during his two years of service as a paratrooper.
Which Italian honor did he receive in 2014?
He was awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
Achievements
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
