Mike Kimberley Steps Down as Lotus CEO

Mike Kimberley

Mike Kimberley, the current Group Lotus CEO announced yesterday he will step down from his position as company's CEO, due to health related problems. He will be replaced, until a permanent successor is found, by an executive committee made of current board members supported by Proton Holdings, the company's major shareholder.

“Sadly, it is on doctor’s orders that I am stepping down but I will leave confident that Lotus is in great shape with a strong management team fully supported by our shareholder in Malaysia. It’ll be very hard to leave knowing that there are such exciting times ahead but I’ll take with me many very happy memories," Mike Kimberley said in the release announcing his departure.

"I want to extend my thanks to the company’s shareholder for their unfailing support, my management team and the wonderful staff both at Hethel and at our various operational locations throughout the world.  Most of all I want to thank our Lotus customers and loyal fans worldwide for their support over the years.”

Kimberley, who will be 71 in August, joined Lotus in 1969 as manager of Continuous Engineering. In 1976, he was appointed managing director of Lotus Cars, becoming managing director of Lotus Engineering by 1980. He took the position of company CEO in 1982, following the death of Colin Chapman.

“It is a great shame that Mike’s health has forced his departure earlier than any of us would have liked. He has been a great asset to Lotus over four decades. Since his return in 2006, we have seen a huge turnaround in the fortunes of this great company.  He leaves Lotus with our deep gratitude and our very best wishes for his retirement,” Dato' Syed Zainal, Proton Holdings managing director added.