Stephan Winkelmann-CEO&President of Lamborghini ,Visionary Leader

Early Life & Education

Stephan Winkelmann (born 18 October 1964) is a German business executive best known today as the President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini (since December 1, 2020). Winkelmann was born in Berlin, Germany, but moved with his family to Rome, where his father worked as a diplomat for the UN’s FAO. He spent much of his youth in Rome, attending the German school there. He later studied Political Science, completing his degree in Munich in 1991. During his university years, he served two years in the German Armed Forces as a paratrooper, achieving the rank of lieutenant in the reserve.

Early Career & Struggles

Winkelmann began his professional journey in 1990 in finance with MLP, a German financial services firm. In 1993–1994, he shifted toward the automotive industry, joining Mercedes-Benz and later Fiat/Alfa Romeo. Over the next decade, he held various marketing and sales roles across Italy and Europe. He faced the challenge of proving himself in a highly competitive, technical industry with limited initial car-industry experience. Yet his background in management and adaptability helped him rise.

Rise To Leadership

In 2005, Winkelmann joined Lamborghini as President & CEO, taking over at a critical juncture. During his first tenure (2005–2016), he spearheaded the launches of key models: variants of Gallardo, Murciélago, Aventador, Huracán, and the sub-brand’s move into SUVs with the Urus concept (announced in 2015). Under his leadership, Lamborghini’s sales reportedly increased 300% in that period. He then took on leadership roles at Audi Sport (Quattro GmbH) from March 2016 onward. From 2018, he also served as President of Bugatti Automobiles. In December 2020, he returned to Lamborghini as CEO, succeeding Stefano Domenicali. He held both the Lamborghini and Bugatti roles for a time. 

Lamborghini Models Under His Watch (Recent / Key Launches)

• Huracán (V10) and derivatives

• Aventador (V12 flagship model)

  
  

• Urus – Lamborghini’s first SUV, which broadened its market reach 

• Revuelto – the plug-in hybrid supercar rolled out in 2023, marking a shift toward electrification. 

• Temerario – a hybrid V8 supercar planned to replace the Huracán. 

• Fenomeno – a limited-edition hybrid V12 model with extreme performance unveiled recently. 

These models show his push toward blending tradition (V12, performance) and future (hybrid, electrification).

Achievements & Honors

• Awarded Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic and later Knight Grand Cross. Credited with transforming Lamborghini into a more global and profitable brand during his tenures. Oversaw record sales, especially with Urus and new model rollouts, while steering the brand toward hybrid and electrified technologies. 

  
  

Challenges & Vision

Winkelmann had to blend Lamborghini’s fierce brand DNA with evolving industry demands, especially for sustainability and electrification. He faced internal pressures (VW Group, brand identity) and external shifts (regulations, EV transition). He has emphasized that his challenges involve balancing heritage with future needs, including both high performance and environmental compliance. 

Stephan Winkelmann’s journey reflects dedication, adaptability, and a deep respect for automotive heritage. From early diplomatic roots and a non-automotive education to leading one of the world’s most iconic supercar brands, his story inspires those who aim to lead through change. As Lamborghini steers into a future of hybrid and electric performance, his leadership continues to craft the path between legacy and innovation.