This week’s edition focuses on leadership choices made under pressure from market shifts, governance scrutiny, and the need for sharper execution. Porsche turns to an engineering-first operator for its next chapter. Santos faces a finance leadership gap that raises governance questions. Heathrow prepares for a chairman with deep regulated-industry experience. Michael Dell urges leaders to manufacture urgency to break inertia. Hyundai Motor India pairs a historic local appointment with a major investment plan.
Across these stories, the through line is disciplined action with clear accountability. Boards are aligning roles to strategy, confronting succession risk head-on, and using operating cadence to convert plans into results. Leaders who communicate plainly, set simple metrics, and sequence near-term wins will earn confidence while navigating volatility.
Porsche AG taps former McLaren boss for CEO in 2026
Porsche named Michael Leiters, formerly CEO of McLaren and previously Ferrari’s technology chief, as chief executive starting in 2026, succeeding Oliver Blume. The choice comes as Porsche wrestles with slower sales in China, a pullback in near-term EV ambitions, and planned job reductions. Blume’s dual role leading Volkswagen Group raised focus questions that this appointment aims to resolve with singular attention on Porsche’s turnaround. Leiters brings an engineering discipline and product-centric approach that can tighten cost control and development pace. Execution priorities include stabilizing demand, calibrating EV and hybrid mix, and restoring momentum in core nameplates.
Source: Financial Times
Santos Ltd CFO exits abruptly amid governance concerns
Australian energy producer Santos announced the sudden resignation of CFO Sherry Duhe roughly a year after her appointment, creating uncertainty around leadership stability. The departure follows a failed merger attempt and persistent regulatory pressures in LNG exports, adding complexity to capital planning and stakeholder trust. Analysts flagged the exit as a governance red flag that could weigh on valuation until clarity improves. An interim veteran has been installed, but investors will look for transparent timelines and criteria for the permanent hire. Near-term proof points include cash flow discipline, capex sequencing, and progress on regulatory engagements.
Source: The Australian
Heathrow Airport Ltd eyes former WPP boss for chairman role
Heathrow is in advanced talks to appoint Philip Jansen, former BT Group chief executive and current WPP chairman, as its next chair. The potential handover would follow Paul Deighton’s extended tenure and arrive as the airport navigates regulatory reviews, expansion ambitions, and climate-transition obligations. Jansen’s background in regulated industries could help align investment cases with oversight expectations. Early priorities would include stakeholder mapping, schedule certainty on capital projects, and clear carbon reduction milestones. Strong board cadence and investor communication will be essential to sustain momentum.
Source: Reuters
Michael Dell urges leaders to “make a crisis” to spark change
Michael Dell argued in a recent interview that organizations should create constructive urgency if external shocks are absent. He warned that without pressure to adapt, performance drifts and opportunities slip away. The prescription is deliberate disruption paired with clear goals and accountability so teams move faster with purpose. Dell also reiterated that in-person collaboration plays a role in innovation, even as hybrid work remains part of the model. The takeaway is to set shorter decision loops and visible milestones that keep transformation real.
Source: Business Insider
Hyundai Motor India Ltd appoints first Indian CEO with major investment plan
Hyundai Motor India named Tarun Garg as chief executive, the first Indian to hold the role, and unveiled a five billion dollar investment to expand manufacturing and R&D. The twin moves signal a deeper localization strategy aimed at speed, cost effectiveness, and product-market fit. Priorities include capacity additions, supplier development, and faster cycle times for India-first models. The company is positioning to capture growth in one of the world’s fastest-rising auto markets while strengthening export optionality. Measurable progress in volume, localization rates, and innovation throughput will determine success.
Source: The Times of India
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