MJK Hands over control of Lotus

[Kimbers]

Lotus boss to hand over running of firm

MD Mike Kimberley

01 April 2009 15:21

The veteran boss of Group Lotus is to hand over the running of the car-maker to an executive committee for a month while he recovers from back surgery.

Mike Kimberley - who returned for a second stint as Lotus chief executive in 2005 - issued a statement to staff revealing that doctors had ordered him to take four weeks off to recuperate.

Mr Kimberley, 70, underwent surgery for a prolapsed disc in his back in October, but is now suffering

[peter_england99]

Tony,

Please wish your father a quick recovery. I've had a few back problems myself, and know how much it can effect your every day life.

Regards,

Peter.

[Bibs]

At least he is listening to the quacks at last! All the best Mike, hope you enjoy some R&R time!

[molemot]

I second all the above...look after yourself a bit, Mike, there's still a lot to do...but not all at once!

[matk]

Get well soon Mike

I know how debilitating long term sickness can be, and the mental stress that accompanies it. Hoping to see you back at the helm soon.

[karluk29]

make a PROPER recovery this time, and while at home keep thinking "new esprit - 210mph+, 0-60 sub 4 secs" over and over in your mind LMAO

have a good recovery.

[Jonathan]

Get well soon Mike, heres to a speedy recovery !

[andydclements]

I'm sure he knows people here wish a speedy recovery, and from a fellow sufferer I whole heartedly agree he needs to listen to their advice (tell him if he doesn't he'll find it gives him problems in later life).

[mangel]

Backs are a tricky thing

And it would appear you only get one which is a nuisance!!

Get well soon Mr Kimberley..........your company needs you!!

[yeller77]

Best wishes to Mr. Kimberley for a full and speedy recovery! A little in-home nursing might fill the bill...

Eric

[GasketsGone]

Get well soon MJK!

[jimmybondi]

All the Best wishes to you Mike!

Get well soon.

[gghc87]

Speedy recovery Mr K.

[Daniel]

Has he been passengering in the Exige by any chance?

Get well soon

[Kimbers]

No. Can't get in with his back pain.

[Advantage]

No. Won't get in when his son's driving.

Listen to the Docs this time Mike! Hope you're up and about soon.

[Alan Paterson]

Mike,

I wish you a speedy recovery to good health.

You've no excuse for being bored, you can always write that book.

I want the film rights. :-)

Kind regards

Alan

[cbclotus]

Get Well soon Mr Kimberely .Best wishes to you. From Mike Mel and Claudia................

[esp88]

All the Best wishes to you Mr Kimberley !

And speedy recovery!

[MKE40]

Take it easy Guvnor,

I know that taking advice does not sit well with us 'Gentlemen of a Certain Age'

the work can wait for your return but you are irreplaceable....

Kind regards,

Mike .

[mike_sekinger]

All the best for a speedy recovery, Mike.

It is difficult to put yourself first for a change, but you

[Iconic Ride]

Lotus boss to hand over running of firm

The veteran boss of Group Lotus is to hand over the running of the car-maker to an executive committee for a month while he recovers from back surgery.

May the needed (and deservedly earned!) rest work its magic on "The Backbone of Lotus," Mike.

In the meanwhile, and as a cost effective strategic business move, I would like to offer my services, gratis, to Lotus Cars Ltd for the month of April to fill the position of "running" the company, thereby eliminating the expense or necessity of establishing an executive committee. I am but a single day's travel away, and my baggage is packed.

Be forewarned, however, that certain changes in the marque's lineup may be anticipated upon your return. To wit: the "new" Esprit program will have been "fast tracked" substantially, and expected performance numbers will (whether generated [pun intended] electrically or by fossil fuel--or both!) eclipse all speculations to date. Trust me.

Cheers, and to a speedy recovery!

John

[lotus4s]

Best wishes for a speedy and better than expected recovery!

[iainskea]

Not so good with the back op not going well, I had L5/S1 two years ago and it took a year to get back to almost normal movement and I am 45. Rehab is a must!

Tony, pass on my best to your Dad for recovery over the next month.

MJK: does this mean we can expect daily, indepth, posts at LEF?? Bibs, you need to make him a Mod

Iain

[stephenbirdsall]

My first reaction when I saw the title was that it was an April Fool joke, but as I read through it (and it is now the 2nd with no catchphrase having been called) I hope that your recovery is swift, and that the pain you are in is not beyond what you can cope with.

All the best.