Staff Responsible for the Developement of the Elise

These people were in a position to currently influence the concept, design, and development of the Elise. Many are part of the executive managment of Lotus.

See also the press release that contains the management biographies.

source of pictures: Lotu, Sports Car International, Dec/Jan 1996, "Elise We Can Do", Bob Patterson, and attributed.

Lotus Elise 20000, staff

pictured:

from the left front:

Ansar Ali, head of UK sales Kim Ogaard Neilson, CEO Group Lotus, Clive Dodson, Manufacturing Director

from the left rear:

Alastair Florance, Press Officer, Barney Hatt, Stylist of federal interior, John Woods, Paint Shop Manager, Steve Crijns, stylist of series 2 exterior, Russel Carr, head of styling, Richard Rackham, originator of the Elise chassis concept, Tony Shute, original Elise project manager, now head of Lotus product, Mark Riches, Engineer, Andy Pirret, Manager of Lotus Fabrication division, Kevin Tingey, Elise production Line Manager, Luke Bennet, Manufacturing manager.

Roger Becker and Nick Adams were away when the picture was taken. Thanks to Alan for asking Nick about names for the people in the picture.

Management and Owners

Below are some of the key people that had some influence over the Elise during the development and eventual delivery to the United States. Some people have moved on, generally to positions outside the influence of the Elise. They are designated as "former" and their new postition or company noted if known.

There have been several leaders, both in England and in America since the Elise was created. I will add pictures as they become available.

See also the press release that contains the management biographies.

source of pictures: Sports Car International, Dec/Jan 1996, "Elise We Can Do", Bob Patterson, and attributed.

Ogaard-Nielsen

Kim Ogaard-Nielsen (former CEO, Lotus Cars PLC)

Kim Ogaard-Nielsen, as Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus. "We are facing tough challenges over the next few months and I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to tackle these global issues and to drive the business forward. We are fortunate to have a brand that is world renowned for producing great cars and providing innovative engineering services; couple this with our passionate staff and we have the ingredients for a company that has a bright future."


John English

John English (former president of Lotus Cars USA)

"It is a rare and exceptional opportunity to lead one of the world's great sports car brands in the world's most dynamic sports car market," said English. "It is even rarer to join a team that is as proud and passionate about their products as Lotus" I very much look forward to being part of that team ."


Duke Hale (former CEO of Lotus Cars USA)

With the 2005 Lotus Elise on-sale date just weeks away, and enthusiasm for the car increasing with each passing day, John is the right individual to ensure that our organization is fully prepared deliver superior dealer and customer experiences on all fronts ." Hale comments as he appoints English as CEO of Lotus Cars USA.


Arnie Johnson

Arnie Johnson

Former Lotus Cars USA CEO, President, and caretaker of the Lotus presence in the USA during the development of the Elise. Now tending his garden and riding his motorcycle.

Find out more about Arnie.


Terry Playle

Terry Playle (former)

Former Managing Director of Group Lotus and President of Lotus Cars USA

Terry was only at Lotus for a short time and it was not clear why he left suddenly.


Chris Knight

Chris Knight

Former Managing Director of Group Lotus and President of Lotus Cars USA

Formerly chairman of Shell in Malaysia, placed as Managing Director by Proton. He is enthusiastic about selling the Elise in America and has no prejudice against assembling or manufacturing it in America.


Selwa of Lotus Cars USA

James Selwa

Former President of Lotus Cars, USA

Selwa bought the US distributorship of Lotus Cars and started streamlining the operation. He sold $200,000 of spare parts inventory of pre-1971 Lotus cars to Dave Bean Engineering. He tried to move the offices to Detroit from Atlanta. He sold the distributor back to Lotus so the Proton deal could be completed.


Romano Artioli

Romano Artoli

Former chairman and owner. Purchased Lotus from General Motors in August 1993. (see his quote on the Elise in the opening page) The Elise is named after his grand daughter.

Proton eventually bought out his holdings in 2001

.photograph by Wihelm


oliver everett

Oliver Everett

Former Head of Sales and Marketing for Lotus Cars

"When we begin deliveries in mid-1996, there will be many enthusiasts who will no longer have to dream of driving their own Lotus - Elise is affordable and exclusive."