Power List 100 2023 – Technical heads

The automotive industry is pushing forward down an array of different avenues and at a pace not seen before. So, how do you choose where to spend your money? Do you pour it in finding the next battery technology, develop a new, sleeker software, or prioritise autonomous driving tech? Right now, and at no point in automotive history, has the job of a car maker's technical head been tougher. They are the people who wield vast amounts of research and development cash and choose the technological direction of the company. It is those who are making the tough decisions – decisions that are proving to be fruitful – who we celebrate within the Power List 2023, sponsored by Keyloop. Power List 100 2023 - Technical heads Thomas Schmall, member of the Volkswagen AG board of management for technology; CEO, Volkswagen Group Components With his lengthy title, Thomas Schmall’s key responsibility right now involves heading up the development and production of battery cells – and their systems – across the whole of the VW Group. This big and varying task will define the next era for the group’s multiple brands. Doug Field, chief advanced product development and technology officer, Ford Before joining Ford, Doug Field was the chief engineer behind Tesla’s Model 3 and head of Apple’s self-driving car programme. He is well placed to future-proof Ford’s new models with an advanced connectivity and infotainment suite. His work will be crucial for new revenue streams and ushering in next-level autonomous systems. Ned Curic, chief engineering and technology officer, Stellantis The man who last year said no to Google – and for good reason. Ned Curic wants the infotainment in Stellantis cars to deliver “unique experiences”, rather than the more purpose-built Google systems. He is also at the forefront of the upcoming SmartCockpit digital platforms, due to roll out from 2024. Doug L Parks, global product development, purchasing and supply chain, GM Best known for launching GM’s Tesla Autopilot-rivalling Super Cruise system and leading the engineering of the Cruise AV driverless concept, Doug Parks is now overseeing the roll-out of a new generation of electric cars at GM. He is also working with Honda to launch a series of low-cost EVs atop GM’s Ultium architecture. Gilles Le Borgne, executive vice-president, engineering, Renault Group Gilles Le Borgne was dramatically announced as Renault’s new vehicle development head in 2020 after 30 years at its PSA rival. His arrival has helped slashed model development times, shaved engineering bills and given Renault the model pipeline needed to ensure its survival. Masahiko Maeda, chief technology officer, Toyota As he nears his third decade at Toyota, Masahiko Maeda is one of the technological masterminds behind a rapid electrification push that will bring to market 30 EVs from Toyota and Lexus by 2030. He is also in charge of Toyota’s ZEV Factory, an internal division devoted to product and business planning for EVs. Frank Weber, board member for development, BMW Frank Weber was nominated as the board member responsible for development at the BMW Group in 2020 after impressing with his engineering management of Rolls-Royce as well as BMW’s top-end models. He joined the German manufacturer in 2011 after rising through the ranks at General Motors in both Europe and the US. Markus Schäfer, head of R&D, COO, Mercedes-Benz Markus Schäfer is the de facto number two at Mercedes-Benz, with oversight of development and purchasing, both crucial positions as the firm transforms into an EV powerhouse. The growing EQ range is key to this transformation, with four cars launched last year. Schäfer has held numerous roles since joining the company in 1990, including heading its US operations. How are the 100 names in Autocar's Power List chosen? The Power List ranks the world's 100 most influential automotive heads, based on the following criteria: global reach and influence, spending power, share of voice, technological influence, future growth potential and market capitalisation. The top 10 are ranked and the remaining 90 names on the list are grouped into categories, including executives from more traditional car makers to the rising powerhouses from China and the latest technology and mobility companies. These names were chosen by the editors of Autocar Business, the B2B product from the publisher of Autocar, designed to bring industry readers even closer to the inner workings and key players of the global automotive industry. The full list is now available to download here.