Group Lotus fires CEO Dany Bahar

Group Lotus has officially fired CEO Dany Bahar and appointed Aslam Farikullah as his replacement, effective immediately, after Bahar’s suspension last week.

While no official reason has been given for Bahar’s dismissal, reports suggest that it was likely for a misuse of company funds.

Many enthusiasts viewed Bahar as a disgrace to the brand, attempting to take it in a direction opposing the mantra of its founder Colin Chapman: Simplify and add lightness. While some argued that this was necessary to keep Lotus alive, I have to agree that Lotus is better off creating simple, lightweight sports cars. Good riddance, then.

His replacement, 51-year-old Farikullah, is said to have over 26 years of professional experience, most of which has been in the automotive industry. He also has a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Engineering from the University of Bath.

Press Release

LOTUS APPOINTS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER – Confirms dismissal of Dany Bahar

Group Lotus plc (“Lotus” or the “Company”) can today confirm that, Mr Dany Bahar has been terminated from his employment as Chief Executive Officer of Lotus with immediate effect.

The decision was made by the Board of Group Lotus plc following the results of an investigation into a complaint made against him by the company’s penultimate holding company, DRB-HICOM Berhad.

The Company today also announced the appointment of Mr Aslam Farikullah as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer with immediate effect. Mr Aslam, aged 51, has over 26 years working experience, most of which was in the automotive industry. He graduated from University of Bath, England with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Engineering. A British permanent resident, Mr Aslam and his English wife of 27 years have three children aged 26, 22 and 16.

Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil, Group Managing Director of DRB-HICOM Berhad and also Chairman of Lotus said: “I would like to assure you that we remain committed to ensure the ongoing and future business operations of the Lotus Group as we take the Lotus Group to the next level to remain relevant in the global automotive industry. I look forward to bringing mutual benefits to not only DRB-HICOM and PROTON Holdings Berhad but also the Lotus Group and its employees as well as contribute to the growth of the British automotive industry.”

Source: Lotus, Autoblog

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