MAM
Harman welcomes Christian Sobottka as new CEO; Michael Mauser hung his boots after 27 years
MUMBAI: A changing of the guard is underway at Harman International, the tech powerhouse behind cutting-edge automotive, consumer, and enterprise innovations. Michael Mauser, the company’s longtime leader, is stepping down as president & CEO on 31 March 2025, making way for Christian Sobottka, who will officially assume the role on 1 April 2025.
After 27 years at Harman, Mauser has decided to pass the baton, having led the company through industry-defining moments, including Samsung’s acquisition in 2017, the COVID-19 pandemic, and global semiconductor shortages. Under his leadership, Harman hit $11 billion in revenue, achieved record profitability, and amassed a jaw-dropping $45 billion in automotive business backlog.
“After nearly three decades with Harman and aligned with our diligent succession planning process, I have decided to step away to spend more time with my family and explore new opportunities,” Mauser said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and confident in Christian’s ability to lead Harman into its next chapter.”
Stepping up is Sobottka, a seasoned automotive industry veteran with over 25 years of experience. Since taking over as president of Harman’s automotive division in 2021, Sobottka has been at the forefront of major transformations, steering Harman towards a product- and software-focused model. His expertise in advanced in-cabin experiences and strategic automotive partnerships makes him the ideal choice to drive Harman’s next wave of innovation.
“I am honored to assume the role of president & CEO of Harman,” Sobottka said. “Building on our legacy of innovation and excellence, I look forward to working with our talented teams to drive the next phase of growth and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers and partners.”
Harman’s board of directors chairman Young Sohn praised Mauser’s unwavering leadership and vision, stating, “We extend our deepest gratitude to Michael for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to Harman’s success. His strategic vision has positioned the company for continued growth. We are confident that Christian’s extensive experience and proven track record make him the ideal leader to guide Harman into the future.”
Alongside Sobottka’s appointment, Harman’s lifestyle division president Dave Rogers will join the board of directors, marking another shift in the company’s leadership team.
With its legacy of cutting-edge innovation, Harman remains committed to revolutionising connected technology across automotive, consumer, and enterprise markets. The transition from Mauser to Sobottka signals a new era of growth, software-driven advancements, and global expansion.
MAM
Time brings TIME100 Next franchise to India with Reliance
List to spotlight 100 emerging leaders, gala set for December 2026 in Mumbai.
MUMBAI: It’s about time India’s next wave got a global spotlight and now, it’s on the list. New York-headquartered Time is expanding its TIME100 Next franchise to India, partnering with Reliance Industries Limited to launch TIME100 Next India, its first international extension of the rising leaders platform. The announcement was made at the Time100 Gala in New York by Jessica Sibley and Nita Mukesh Ambani, signalling a strategic push to tap into India’s growing influence across sectors.
The India edition will recognise 100 emerging leaders from the country and the global Indian diaspora, spanning business, science, sports, arts and social impact. The list will be curated by Time’s editorial team and published online, continuing the franchise’s focus on identifying individuals shaping the future.
The initiative will culminate in a gala event scheduled for December 2026 at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, anchoring the platform within India’s cultural and business ecosystem.
TIME’s broader Time100 franchise has steadily expanded its global footprint since 2021 through events and impact-led initiatives. Executives noted that India’s growing pool of influential voices and innovators made it a natural next step for the platform’s international ambitions.
For Reliance, the partnership aligns with its broader push to support emerging talent and ideas on a global stage. For Time, it marks a timely bet on India not just as a market, but as a talent engine shaping the next chapter of global leadership.
