Infiniti hybrid cars parked outside the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

What would you share with young people on how to run a successful business?

Be prepared. If you are running a business, or you want to set up a business, make sure you are prepared.

Not that you can prepare for everything. But if you are well prepared, those unforeseen things will not throw you off the direction because you know exactly where you are moving.

What is also important is focus and accountability. Focus on what you need to achieve. Make yourself and everybody else in the team accountable for his or her responsibility.

You started your career in the auto industry as an interior and exterior designer. How does that background help you become a successful corporate leader?

That's a question you would have to ask my team. (Laughs) But what is important for me is that I'm very much into cars. I sketch cars. I design cars. It's just a great profession to work with cars.

Do you still sketch cars nowadays? Is it a hobby for you?

Sure. It's both. It's part of my life.

What cars do you own?

At the moment I have a Q70L and a Q50.

What's your favorite sport? And why?

Running. I run a lot. There are many reasons. First of all, it's really healthy. It keeps you fit. It is also a good way to think about things, without stress.

CV

Age: 50

Nationality: German

Education:

1992: Bachelor's degree in industrial design from the University of Applied Science in Munich, Germany

1998: MBA Degree from INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France

Career

Jan 2015 onwards: President of Infiniti Motor Co Ltd and senior vice-president of Nissan Motor Co Ltd;

2013: Senior vice-president of BMW Group and regional head of operations for Germany;

2008: President and CEO of BMW Group, Japan

Contact the writers at luhaoting@chinadaily.com.cn and lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn

Liu Yixi contributed to this story.