Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • Automotive News
  • Automobilwoche
  • Automotive News Canada
  • Automotive News China
Subscribe
  • Subscribe
  • Newsletters
  • Login
  • HOME
    • Latest news
    • Automakers
    • Suppliers
    • New Product
    • Environment/Emissions
    • Sales By Market
    • On The Move
    • Auto Shows
    • Munich Auto Show
    • Geneva Auto Show
    • Paris Auto Show
    • Beijing Auto Show
    • Shanghai Auto Show
  • Features
    • Long Read
    • Interview of the Month
    • Focus on Electrification
    • Focus on Technology
    • Segment Analysis
    • Cars & Concepts
    • Supplier Spotlight
    • Europe By The Numbers
  • Opinion
    • Blogs
    • Commentary
    • Guest columnists
  • Photos
    • Photo Galleries
    • Geneva Photo Gallery
    • Beijing Photo Gallery
    • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
    • Paris Photo Gallery
    • Shanghai Photo Gallery
  • Podcasts
  • Car Cutaways
  • EVENTS
    • ANE Congress
    • ANE Rising Stars
    • ANE Eurostars
  • More
    • Publishing Partners
    • Social Media
    • Contact Us
    • Media Kit
    • About Us
    • Capgemini: Invent Head on automotive takeaways from CES 2023
    • Capgemini: Securing the industry's future through a radical rethink
    • Capgemini: Succeeding with the automated driving journey through AI
    • Capgemini: The circular economy is spurring new thinking on EV batteries
    • Capgemini: Toyota and Capgemini leaders on how OEMs can handle industry changes and succeed
    • HEXAGON: Plugging into data is the only way to make winning EVs
    • TUV Rheinland: Ideas, services and certifications for smart mobility
    • TUV Rheinland: Testing of automated and autonomous vehicles on test tracks
    • Toyota Europe
    • UFI Filters
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Blogs
August 09, 2022 03:37 AM

Why Volvo boss, ex-Aston Martin CEO say there should be more than one way to the top

Jim Rowan and Andy Palmer rose from the shop floor to the highest level at an automaker and hope others will follow in their footsteps.

Douglas A. Bolduc
Managing Editor of Automotive News Europe
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    Andy Palmer and Jim Rowan

    Andy Palmer (left) is CEO at Switch Mobility and Jim Rowan leads Volvo.

    Two automotive chiefs who rose to the C-suite from the shop floor say the top level at companies shouldn't only be for those with a university education.

    "I really hope that it doesn't become rarefied air and the only people who can get to the C-suite are those who have been fortunate enough to afford to get a degree, especially in Western countries where getting a high-level education is becoming more and more expensive," Volvo Cars CEO Jim Rowan told Automotive News Europe. "I think talent is in every area and at every level of the business. Most people just need an opportunity."

    Rowan, who grew up in Glasgow, Scotland, in a blue-collar family, said he was "lucky" because he got those opportunities.

    He also credits his rise to his parents, who stressed that education, work ethic and treating people with respect were key factors in getting the best from yourself.

    Former Aston Martin boss Andy Palmer, who is now CEO of electric bus and van manufacturer Switch Mobility, left school at 15 and became an apprentice at a UK-based supplier at age 16.

    "Apprenticeships are superb at teaching you your trade, but more importantly teaching you empathy with people at all levels," Palmer told the Automotive News Europe Congress in Prague last month.

    When asked whether it is harder or easier to match what he did today, Palmer said: "To some extent I think it’s probably harder now than it was during my time because so many more people have degrees. If you don’t have a degree you stand out more as a negative. I don’t think that’s right."

    While both men started on the shop floor, each has augmented his hands-on knowledge by being lifelong learners who have accumulated university degrees during their working careers.

    To Palmer, combining the practical and the theoretical creates something special.

    "I think the companies that encourage both and allow Darwinism to prevail," he said, "are probably going to get the best leadership."

    RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
    Renault Megane E-Tech test hit by power-sapping surprises
    Recommended for You
    Renault Megane E-Tech
    Renault Megane E-Tech test hit by power-sapping surprises
    Piotr Pawlak and Susanne Hägglund
    Rising Stars lead the way in key markets
    Yanfeng XiM23 display
    Yanfeng looks to leverage key edge over Apple, Android
    Capgemini Invent Head on automotive takeaways from CES 2023
    Sponsored Content: Capgemini Invent Head on automotive takeaways from CES 2023
    Sign up for free newsletters
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    Get Free Newsletters

    Sign up and get the best of Automotive News Europe delivered straight to your email inbox, free of charge. Choose your news – we will deliver.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    SUBSCRIBE TODAY

    Get 24/7 access to in-depth, authoritative coverage of the auto industry from a global team of reporters and editors covering the news that’s vital to your business.

    SUBSCRIBE NOW
    Connect with Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram

    Founded in 1996, Automotive News Europe is the preferred information source for decision-makers and opinion leaders operating in Europe.

    Contact Us

    1155 Gratiot Avenue
    Detroit MI  48207-2997
    Tel: +1 877-812-1584

    Email Us

    ISSN 2643-6590 (print)
    ISSN 2643-6604 (online)

     

    Resources
    • About us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise with us
    • Advertise with Us
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Awards
    • Rising Stars
    • Eurostars
    • Leading Women
    Legal
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    Automotive News Europe
    Copyright © 1996-2023. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • HOME
      • Latest news
      • Automakers
      • Suppliers
      • New Product
      • Environment/Emissions
      • Sales By Market
      • On The Move
      • Auto Shows
        • Munich Auto Show
        • Geneva Auto Show
        • Paris Auto Show
        • Beijing Auto Show
        • Shanghai Auto Show
    • Features
      • Long Read
      • Interview of the Month
      • Focus on Electrification
      • Focus on Technology
      • Segment Analysis
      • Cars & Concepts
      • Supplier Spotlight
      • Europe By The Numbers
    • Opinion
      • Blogs
      • Commentary
      • Guest columnists
    • Photos
      • Photo Galleries
      • Geneva Photo Gallery
      • Beijing Photo Gallery
      • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
      • Paris Photo Gallery
      • Shanghai Photo Gallery
    • Podcasts
    • Car Cutaways
    • EVENTS
      • ANE Congress
      • ANE Rising Stars
      • ANE Eurostars
    • More
      • Publishing Partners
        • Capgemini: Invent Head on automotive takeaways from CES 2023
        • Capgemini: Securing the industry's future through a radical rethink
        • Capgemini: Succeeding with the automated driving journey through AI
        • Capgemini: The circular economy is spurring new thinking on EV batteries
        • Capgemini: Toyota and Capgemini leaders on how OEMs can handle industry changes and succeed
        • HEXAGON: Plugging into data is the only way to make winning EVs
        • TUV Rheinland: Ideas, services and certifications for smart mobility
        • TUV Rheinland: Testing of automated and autonomous vehicles on test tracks
        • Toyota Europe
        • UFI Filters
      • Social Media
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • LinkedIn
        • Twitter
      • Contact Us
      • Media Kit
      • About Us