LYNN CALDER, CEO, INEOS AUTOMOTIVE
What’s your background?
“Oil, gas and chemicals. I’ve held two CEO roles with Ineos, and I guess that once people know and trust how you operate, opportunities come your way. Ineos Automotive is full of people who understand automotive: the Grenadier proves that. What we need now is a sustainable plan that allows us to be here in
10 to 15 years’ time.”
Do you like cars?
“Yes. Like many people, I learned to drive in a Ford Fiesta – A-reg, pretty battered – and now I’m lucky enough to own a Porsche Macan Turbo. The buying experience was fascinating. I have experiences I can relate to this job.”
How hands-on do you expect to be with the automotive details?
“I’m not here to just look at the spreadsheets, put it that way. I’m curious and I like a challenge, so I will ask a lot of questions – not to rip up the rulebook, but to find out why things are done a certain way and to consider if it’s the best way.”
Does launching a new automotive company feel like a huge step?
“I’ve been really fortunate to have some incredible roles in my career, with big financial and team responsibilities. I’ve never had a career plan or been the sort of person that coveted doing the same job forever. I like change. I need to understand the team, build it and motivate it. I’m excited, not daunted.”
What kind of boss is Jim Ratcliffe?
“Brilliant but demanding. He hasn’t got where he is by being shy and retiring! He’s curious and, as with the other owners at Ineos, they don’t beat about the bush. It’s quite a direct relationship, but that’s how I like it. I know what’s expected, put it that way.”