Aachen, Germany, September 2021 – Dr. Johannes Scharf (40), Chairman of the Executive Board of FEV Europe GmbH is named one of Automotive News Europe’s “Rising Stars” for 2021. With its prestigious annual award, the renowned publication honors young executives who help to drive the industry forward, foster change and innovation and make bold decisions. 

“Anticipating the disruptive changes in our industry, we have subjected FEV to an unprecedented transformation. Today, this perfectly positions us as a globally leading engineering company to shape the future of the mobility sector through our in-depth expertise and cutting-edge solutions – for a carbon-neutral, and efficient, connected, and safe transportation”, said Scharf. “Receiving this award reaffirms the course both FEV and I have chartered throughout the past few years.”

The 11th annual “Rising Stars” awards recognize fast-climbing auto leaders who are already taking big steps forward in the industry. “The 25 people who we honor this year have overcome unprecedented professional and personal challenges during and after the pandemic. The flexibility and talent they have shown during such difficult times is remarkable. They are helping to lead the auto industry into a new era,” said Luca Ciferri, Automotive News Europe Associate Publisher and Editor.

Fascinated from a very young age by the technical complexity of cars – “sportscars especially,” Scharf added – and impressed by the high level of skill and innovation he encountered working a student job at a well-known automaker for high-performance vehicles, he soon set out to enter the automotive industry himself. 

Scharf, who joined FEV in 2006, received a doctorate of engineering from RWTH Aachen University in 2010. Six years later, he was announced Vice President for the business unit Gasoline & Hybrid Powertrains. Since the start of 2020, Scharf is FEV Europe’s Managing Director, overseeing the business units for e-mobility, software development and automated driving, as well as testing operations vehicle and powertrain, where he leads “a great team of 5.000 excellent ‘tech heads’,” as he puts it. 

In November 2020, he also assumed responsibility as the Chairman of the Executive Board of FEV Europe GmbH. “It gives me both great joy and pride to be able to work with my team through technological challenges every day, which we master due to our unique team spirit, excellence and leadership”, said Scharf. 

A “Rising Star” is defined by Automotive News Europe as an executive with a pan-European profile working in the automotive or related industries. He or she helps to drive the future of mobility, has driven change, fostered innovation, and made courageous decisions. To qualify, candidates need a minimum of ten years of work experience, possess proficiency in multiple languages and be 45 years or younger.