The 2019 Power List – and the Person of the Year Is…

This is the 14th year Motor Trend has scoured the automotive landscape to produce its Power List. We discern the most influential and transformative people of the past year, the ones that make this elaborate industry hum and whirl, speed up and bog down.

As the powertrains of tomorrow transition away from diesels, optimizing gas-engine efficiency and adding electrification, so too do the faces change with the times. There are always CEOs and other C-suite executives on our list, but we look for the people further down in the trenches whose efforts create a buzz. We love this industry and want to reward a job well done. And we try to find the new faces that reflect the trends, new tech, and sometimes new companies that populate the automotive landscape.

This year there were a few big business moves: Aston Martin went public; Tesla pondered going private. There was boardroom drama with a Volkswagen coup, the untimely death of FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne, and the punitive stripping of the chairman’s title from Elon Musk. But largely it was a year of solid product development, with some remakes of classics and launches of a healthy batch of new nameplates.

These are the people behind those successes. Topping the list is the Person of the Year who left an oversized imprint. But the 49 others are the ones to watch in 2019.

50. KLAUS BUSSE

FCA

HEAD OF DESIGN FOR ALFA ROMEO, MASERATI, FIAT, ABARTH, LANCIA

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

Busse spent 10 years with Mercedes in Germany then moved to the U.S. during the DaimlerChrysler years. He chose to stay after the corporate divorce. Now back in Europe and designing FCA’s European brands, he has shaped cars as disparate as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. His next task? Shoring up Maserati’s styling.

49. TOTO WOLFF

MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS MOTORSPORT

TEAM PRINCIPAL AND CEO

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

The former racing driver is the managing partner of the Formula 1 team and also leads the Mercedes motorsports program. He has a 30 percent stake in Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix. Teamed with Niki Lauda, Wolff has produced results exceeding expectations with drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.

48. DAVID FREIBURGER

MOTOR TREND GROUP

CO-HOST OF ROADKILL

2018 RANK: 47

Freiburger is a former editor-in-chief of Hot Rod magazine and one of the stars of the breakout Motor Trend original series, Roadkill. Under his direction, the unscripted reality series, now shown on Motor Trend’s SVOD channel and the Motor Trend Network (nee Velocity), Roadkill has built a huge fanbase on the strength of its authenticity and credibility.

47. THOMAS DOLL

SUBARU OF AMERICA

CEO

2018 RANK: 35

After posting a decade of growth for Subaru, Doll was promoted to CEO while unveiling the Ascent three-row SUV, launching the Crosstrek, and introducing the next-generation Forester. Subaru continues to cater to its loyal buyers and sell cars as fast as it can make them.

46. ALEJANDRO AGAG

FORMULA E HOLDINGS

CEO

2018 RANK: 10

As the auto world goes electric, the Formula E founder sees a future where his series overtakes Formula 1 as the leading motorsports series. Formula E is starting its fifth season with faster Gen2 cars. More automakers are planning to participate with big-name drivers in the years ahead.

45. KEVIN CLARK

APTIV

PRESIDENT AND CEO

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

Aptiv was spun off from Delphi to focus on electronics and software for autonomous driving, connectivity, and active safety systems. Under Clark, Aptiv has grown its market cap and partnered with Hertz to get autonomous vehicles on the road and with Lyft to test a fleet in Las Vegas.

44. PAM FLETCHER

GENERAL MOTORS

VICE PRESIDENT OF INNOVATION

2018 RANK: 16

Fletcher, a top engineer, takes on a new role identifying and accelerating new growth opportunities as GM works to transform. She now reports directly to CEO Mary Barra. Fletcher has distinguished herself in managing teams bent on bringing industry-leading electric and autonomous vehicles to market.

43. DAVID HALL

VELODYNE LIDAR

FOUNDER AND CEO

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

Everybody seems to be working on smaller, lighter, and less expensive autonomous vehicle lidar systems. Fighting off the myriad startups is Velodyne, which dominates in this crucial field. Hall invented 3-D lidar in 2005 and turned his vision into a thriving company that continues to lead the field.

42(0). ELON MUSK

TESLA

CEO

2018 RANK: 2

The mercurial genius got into trouble with the SEC over tweets about going private (never happened), which cost him fines and his chairman title. Model 3 “production hell” led him to sleep in the factory and build cars in a tent. Tesla’s wild ride includes ever-evolving tech, as well as Musk’s promises to build electric big rigs, pickups, and sports cars. More vaporware? Don’t count him out.

41. OLA KALLENIUS

DAMILER/MERCEDES-BENZ

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT, GROUP RESEARCH AND MERCEDES-BENZ CARS DEVELOPMENT

2018 RANK: 27

It’s now official: Kallenius becomes chairman of the board of management at Daimler and CEO of Mercedes-Benz cars next year with the mandatory retirement of Dieter Zetsche. The Swede becomes the first non-German Daimler leader. His clear and transparent leadership style and steady climb up the ranks should make for a smooth transition.

40. KYLE VOGT

CRUISE

CO-FOUNDER AND CEO

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

Vogt’s startup was acquired by GM in 2016 and is the basis for Cadillac’s Super Cruise and a fleet of robotaxis. Cruise received a $2.25 billion infusion from the SoftBank Vision Fund, and Honda will invest a further $2.75 billion over 12 years and take a 5.7 percent stake. Cruise rivals Waymo for autonomous vehicle supremacy.

39. CARLOS GHOSN

RENAULT, NISSAN, MITSUBISHI

FORMER CHAIRMAN, CEO

2018 RANKING: 22

Prior to his sudden arrest on the day the Power List went to press, Ghosn was still chairman of Nissan, Renault, and Mitsubishi and was CEO of the global Alliance he created (as this is written, he retains his titles at Renault). He took three struggling companies and made them stronger than the sum of their parts. Before the allegations, which could end his career, his legacy reflected efforts to create an automotive juggernaut.

38. JOY FALOTICO

FORD

GROUP VICE PRESIDENT LINCOLN, CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, CHAIRMAN FORD CREDIT

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

The longtime head of Ford Credit has heady new duties—running Lincoln and leading Ford Motor marketing—while remaining Ford Credit chairman. She is proving a quick study as Lincoln gains traction. She’s also shaken up marketing with new advertising partners and a new image for the Ford brand.

37. RALPH GILLES

FCA

GLOBAL HEAD OF DESIGN

2018 RANK: 37

FCA’s five-year plan reads like a to-do list for Gilles, who oversees the design of the varied brands, including tough Ram pickups, iconic Jeep Wranglers, tiny Fiats, family-hauling minivans, American muscle cars, and exotic Italian cars. Gilles continues to deliver the goods, keeping each brand distinct and relevant.

36. ALFONSO ALBAISA

NISSAN MOTOR CO.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR GLOBAL DESIGN

2018 RANK: 39

Charged with design for Nissan, Infiniti, and Datsun, Albaisa has been prolific. Infiniti has launched the luxe QX50, and Nissan created the smart Kicks. Infiniti also teased its future with the stunning Q Inspiration, Prototype 9, Prototype 10, and Project Black S.

35. AKIO TOYODA

TOYOTA

CEO AND PRESIDENT

2018 RANK: 13

Why is Toyota bringing back the Supra, sustaining the 86, and supporting Gazoo Racing? Because its CEO loves to drive. But Akio is also positioning Toyota as a player in ride-sharing and autonomous vehicles—while ensuring mainstream best-sellers like the Camry and RAV4 continue to evolve. Most recent negotiation: the joint venture plant with Mazda in Alabama.

34. HERBERT DIESS

VOLKSWAGEN

CEO

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

The Dieselgate coup that ousted CEO Matthias Muller also elevated former BMW veteran Diess. He is orchestrating the expensive plan to launch 80 electric vehicles by 2025—including a resurrection of the iconic Microbus. Diess is restructuring the 12 brands under VW’s aegis and tackling a potential IPO of the heavy truck division.

33. PETER SCHREYER

HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF DESIGN OFFICER

2018 RANK: 18

This trailblazer is reinventing the world’s view of Korean automakers—in terms of both design and drivability. The Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands are gaining sales and acclaim as they add new nameplates and improve existing models at a rapid clip.

32. MARK REUSS

GENERAL MOTORS

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND PRESIDENT, GLOBAL PRODUCT GROUP, CADILLAC

2018 RANK: 25

Reuss is the driving force behind GM’s products. A tweaking of duties makes him the undisputed product guru. Cadillac will return to Detroit and report directly to Reuss, who will work to jumpstart the brand. The most anticipated product of Reuss’ tenure arrives next year: the mid-engine Corvette.

31. TOBIAS MOERS

DAIMLER

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT FOR MERCEDES-AMG

2018 RANK: 11

Moers has relentlessly kept the AMG lineup fresh with an A 35 at one end, the One (formerly Project One) at the other, and a slew of new GTs. The highlight, of course, is One—a street-legal hypercar with a Formula 1 hybrid engine, coming in 2020. Moers recognizes that powertrains of all types are in AMG’s future.

30. HARALD KRUGER

BMW

CEO

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

Under Kruger BMW is getting its mojo back with a more dynamic platform architecture, expansion of the crossover lineup and the South Carolina plant that makes them, and promises of 12 new EVs by 2025. He is focused on growth in China and adding a plant in Hungary—the automaker’s first new European plant since 2000.

29. TAKAHIRO HACHIGO

HONDA

CEO

2018 RANK: 30

The engineer running Honda is injecting vigor and shows an uncharacteristic openness to new ideas, tech, relationships, and partnerships—including the decision to invest in GM’s Cruise self-driving car unit to get the tech on the road faster. Although Honda is best known for the Civic, Accord, and CR-V, the company’s range spans the Acura NSX and Civic Type R to electric and fuel cell Clarity models.

28. MIKE RAYMOND

FCA

CHIEF ENGINEER RAM 1500

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

Raymond took a great, smooth-riding truck and made it better. Powertrains include obligatory V-6, V-8, and diesel, but the big news is the debut of the eTorque 48-volt mild-hybrid system, making FCA the largest player in electrified light trucks. The eTorque system will proliferate to other FCA vehicles. Still to come: a Hellcat engine.

27. MICHAEL MAUER

PORSCHE

DIRECTOR OF STYLE

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

Mauer sent his talents in a new direction with the Mission E family, starting with the Taycan electric sedan coming in 2019, to be followed by a raised wagon based on the Mission E Cross Turismo concept. The design had to channel Porsche but be recognizable as an EV with no performance compromises.

26. TIM KUNISKIS

FCA

GLOBAL HEAD OF ALFA ROMEO, JEEP NORTH AMERICA

2018 RANK: 6

Kuniskis oversees brands crucial to the success of FCA’s five-year plan. He must build Alfa internationally while keeping Jeep as a profit driver in North America as it expands to include the Wrangler pickup and Grand Wagoneer luxury SUV. Both brands have ambitious electrification plans and sales targets.

25. DINESH PALIWAL

HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES

PRESIDENT AND CEO

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

Harman, now a subsidiary of Samsung, is a powerhouse supplier of audio, infotainment, connectivity, and safety systems. Harman designs HMIs and provides over-the-air updates, cyber security, autonomous vehicle technology, and artificial intelligence while still being known for such brands as JBL, Harman Kardon, Bowers & Wilkins, Mark Levinson, Infinity, and Revel.

24. MARK ALLEN

FCA

JEEP CHIEF DESIGNER

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

Allen is Mr. Jeep. He lives and breathes ways to make Jeeps more capable, usable, and filled with automotive Easter eggs designed to surprise and delight. He outdid himself with the new Wrangler, which is true to its heritage and can be dismantled for open-air fun in a fraction of the time and effort required on past models.

23. AMNON SHASHUA

MOBILEYE, INTEL

PRESIDENT AND CEO OF MOBILEYE, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF INTEL

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

Shashua is the brains behind Mobileye (now a subsidiary of Intel), which develops chips and algorithms for vision-based systems used in autonomous vehicle technology. Installations include GM’s Super Cruise and the driver assistance systems—designed to prevent accidents by taking corrective action when the driver does not—on many of today’s vehicles.

22. DAVID WOODHOUSE

LINCOLN

DESIGN DIRECTOR

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

The new Navigator is a stunner, followed up by a concept for the smaller Aviator. Woodhouse is making an imprint on a brand that desperately needed attention. He has captured the brash but elegant soul of true American design, distinguishing it from Ford and making Lincoln unapologetic and relevant again.

21. ANDREAS PREUNINGER

PORSCHE

DIRECTOR GT MODEL LINE

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

There are high expectations when your job is to make GT3, GT2, and RS models. Preuninger has responded with more GT cars for the Porsche lineup than ever in the brand’s past. These halo cars further boost the brand and show Porsche’s ability to build what hardcore enthusiast buyers want.

20. MIKE FLEWITT

MCLAREN

CEO

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

Each new McLaren model is better than the one before it. Limited edition models sell out before they even have a name, and the Woking plant is running at full capacity. A second plant is under construction so McLaren can make its own carbon-fiber bodies. Flewitt oversees a rolling five-year business plan that includes a replacement for the P1 by 2025.

19. MAURIZIO REGGIANI

LAMBORGHINI

CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICER

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

Reggiani’s magic is evident in the Huracan Performante, our 2018 Best Driver’s Car, for its ability to make every driver feel like an F1 champion while handling speed with grace and ease. Reggiani develops Lamborghini’s long-term strategies, including tech for bodywork, powertrains, chassis, suspension, and electronics, while also overseeing its outrageous design.

18. THOMAS ULBRICH

VOLKSWAGEN

BOARD MEMBER FOR E-MOBILITY

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

Ulbrich heads the E-Mobility division VW created in January to become the leader in mass-market electric vehicles, helped by the new I.D. EV subbrand. This is an important pivot after the diesel emission cheating scandal. VW’s brand goal is to sell 1 million EVs by 2025.

17. ALBERT BIERMANN

HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP

PRESIDENT AND HEAD OF VEHICLE PERFORMANCE DIVISION

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

Genesis G70, Kia Stinger, Hyundai Veloster N—just a few of the cool new products on the road today courtesy of Biermann, who left BMW to infuse top-shelf performance and handling into the Hyundai group. Rear-drive-performance enthusiasts applaud while consumers of mainstream models also benefit from his work.

16. RALF SPETH

JAGUAR LAND ROVER

CEO

2018 RANK: 17

Despite Brexit concerns, Speth is working to take Jaguar Land Rover to the next level with new products, platforms, and plants, plus a push to electrification. The trick is to evolve without diluting brand DNA. The I-Pace is an example of how to do it right: an EV with Jag finesse.

15. JENSEN HUANG

NVIDIA

FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT

2018 RANK: 7

Nvidia provides the AI computing and programmable chips that cars need to interpret their surroundings and safely navigate them without human input. Huang’s vision took him from the gaming world to creating the brains behind self-driving cars. He shows no signs of letting up, and his roster of automotive clients keeps growing.

14. EUI-SUN CHUNG

HYUNDAI MOTOR CO.

EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN

2018 RANK: 12

The scion oversees the growth of the Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands while each carves a distinct path in the market. Products have advanced from value propositions to standout lineups in both design and performance, making Genesis and N performance possible and credible. Chung’s sights are now on mobility services and AI.

13. ANDREW KERNAHAN

 

FORD AND LINCOLN

CHIEF PROGRAM ENGINEER, LINCOLN NAVIGATOR AND FORD EXPEDITION

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

In the Expedition and Navigator, Ford created two impressive but distinctly different large SUVs. Kernahan helped ensure each suits its target audience: the former a big family hauler, the latter an elegant and pampering vehicle that hearkens back to the days of true American indulgence and bravado. Both hit the mark dead on.

12. MIKE MANLEY

FCA

CEO

2018 RANK: 33

Manley was in the running to succeed Sergio Marchionne next year. Marchionne’s sudden death resulted in Manley taking the top job with no advance warning. He jumped in, making a quick management shuffle as he works to implement FCA’s five-year plan while still overseeing Jeep’s global fortunes.

11. MARY BARRA

GENERAL MOTORS

CHAIRMAN AND CEO

2018 RANK: PERSON OF THE YEAR

Barra has a clear vision and pushes for mobility, autonomous driving, and electrification. Savvy partnerships, especially with Cruise, make GM a tech leader. She continues to cut unprofitable products and operations and has refocused Cadillac. She has advanced women executives; the board now is half men, half women.

10. DESIGNER: THOMAS INGENLATH

VOLVO, POLESTAR

VOLVO CHIEF DESIGN OFFICER, POLESTAR CEO

2018 RANK: 41

Ingenlath has another winner, adding the jaunty XC40 to the language he has created for Volvo. Each model is a different modern take on Swedish design with a refreshing simplicity and attention to detail. He also manages the Polestar electric performance brand, which serves as an engineering incubator.

9. DISRUPTER: LI SHUFU

ZHEJIANG GEELY AND VOLVO CARS

CHAIRMAN

2018 RANK: 21

This poet and businessman is building an automotive empire with Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely, Sweden’s Volvo Cars, and a 9.7 percent stake in Daimler (making him the largest shareholder). He also owns stakes in truck maker AB Volvo, Lotus, Malaysia’s Proton, and flying car company Terrafugia. He also owns the company that makes London cabs.

8. MARKETER: MANFRED FITZGERALD

GENESIS

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL BRAND HEAD

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

Branding guru Fitzgerald is defining the new luxury brand that embraces its Korean roots while pursuing international recognition. Impressive product, the sensual Essentia concept, storefronts in airports, a Genesis Open PGA tournament, and NFL sponsorship are among the initiatives working to implant Genesis into the public psyche.

7. GAME CHANGER: MIKE JACKSON

AUTONATION

CHAIRMAN, CEO AND PRESIDENT

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

Jackson took an outmoded franchised dealership model and created the largest chain of car dealerships in the U.S. with a single brand and strategy. Last year, AutoNation’s 260 points sold 550,000 new and used vehicles and generated $21.6 billion in revenue. Jackson will step down next year after 20 years as CEO; during his tenure AutoNation stock price tripled.

6. FUTURIST: JOHN KRAFCIK

 

WAYMO

CEO

2018 RANK: 19

As it perfects hardware and software systems for all vehicle types and uses, Waymo ordered another 82,000 vehicles from FCA and Jaguar to equip with its autonomous drive technology. The leader in this space, Waymo vehicles have logged more than 10 million autonomous test miles on public roads.

5. ENGINEER: IAN HOBAN

JAGUAR

I-PACE VEHICLE LINE DIRECTOR

2018 RANK: UNRANKED

The superb I-Pace puts Tesla on notice and makes Jaguar the first mainstream luxury brand to offer an electric SUV. The tech came first, then the modern take on classic design. A motor at each end provides sharp-handling AWD, and its 90-kW-hr battery puts out 394 hp and 512 lb-ft. The tech will migrate to future vehicles.

4. MOVER AND SHAKER: ANDY PALMER

 

ASTON MARTIN

PRESIDENT AND CEO

2018 RANK: 31

Palmer took the 105-year-old brand public, listing it on the London Stock Exchange. The automaker has promised a new vehicle every year as it pivots to challenge Ferrari head-on. The Vantage shone at Best Driver’s Car, and Aston’s first SUV is due in 2019, followed by a mid-engine sports car. Palmer is giving back, too, through his foundation for engineering apprenticeships.

3. CEO: HAKAN SAMUELSSON

VOLVO CARS

PRESIDENT AND CEO

2018 RANK: 8

Samuelsson led Volvo to its strongest and most striking product lineup in its history while spinning off Polestar as a performance EV brand and opening new plants in South Carolina and Chengdu, China. Volvo is advancing in development and testing of autonomous vehicles while still leading the charge in safety.

2. CAPTAIN OF INDUSTRY: DIETER ZETSCHE

DAIMLER

CHAIRMAN AND CEO

2018 RANK: 20

In his final full year leading Daimler, Zetsche put on a clinic of how to run an automaker that minds its core brands while feeding performance and adding a new EV brand. When Zetsche takes his mandated retirement in 2019, he will have left a strong and indelible stamp on the carmaker.

1. 2019 PERSON OF THE YEAR: SERGIO MARCHIONNE

FCA, FERRARI

CHAIRMAN AND CEO

2018 RANK: 23

The philosopher king built his legacy by pulling off minor miracles.

Earlier this year, we said if Marchionne paid off FCA’s debt in 2018 and crafted a strong new five-year plan, he would be a solid candidate for Person of the Year. He showed up at the June investor day wearing a tie—a promised signal that he had, once again, against all odds, pulled it off. He planned to retire leaving his groomed successor clear to invest in future product.

Sadly, he didn’t get to enjoy the results of his plan—or retirement. His death does not negate a career as a financial wizard who salvaged troubled Chrysler and Fiat, saving thousands of jobs across the globe. He was a man who did not do something unless he was convinced it would be successful. Sergio Marchionne got the work done.

Sergio also had an eye for product, sending employees back to the drawing board until it was right, even if it meant spending more money. And he got a lot right lately, as evidenced by the 2018 Car of the Year Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2019 Truck of the Year Ram 1500, and 2019 SUV of the Year Jeep Wrangler.

An intellectual, he shared his vision of the evolving automotive world and was not afraid to be first to take action. He led the Detroit automakers’ charge away from poor-selling sedans. He said companies must marry up to support the high cost of technology and was ready to engage in hookups, if not marriages.

Sergio was wonderfully outspoken, as anyone who listened to his quarterly earnings calls can attest. The silence of his passing is a void that will not soon be filled.

READ ABOUT 2019 CAR OF THE YEAR CONTENDERS:

READ ABOUT 2019 CAR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS:

READ ABOUT 2019 SUV OF THE YEAR CONTENDERS:

READ ABOUT 2019 SUV OF THE YEAR FINALISTS:

READ ABOUT 2019 TRUCK OF THE YEAR FINALISTS:

The post The 2019 Power List – and the Person of the Year Is… appeared first on Motor Trend.



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