Shaping the Future of Transportation: Hamid Haqparwar’s Take on Leadership in the Automotive World

Sumi Thomas October 15, 2023

4 minutes read

Dr Hamid Haqparwar, Managing Director of BMW Middle East shares the need for leaders to embrace innovation and technologies that can make a positive difference in the world.

What was the best lesson in leadership you’ve learned?

My golden rule is to lead by example. You should always lead from the front and actively engage with your team. This approach has been the cornerstone of my leadership journey. It means not just giving directions, but rolling up your sleeves and sincerely demonstrating the values you wish to instill in your team.

What was the greatest challenge you have faced in your business?

The automotive industry has faced many challenges throughout my career. Building resilient leadership during such shifts requires a calm demeanour and operational excellence. One of our most significant challenges is staying ahead in a rapidly evolving market. Technological advances, changing consumer preferences, and global economic shifts all require agility to adapt to. Navigating through these challenges while maintaining the brand’s legacy and ensuring customer satisfaction requires to be balanced delicately.

To date, what has been your proudest moment in the business?

Undoubtedly, one of the proudest moments in my career at BMW Group Middle East was the launch of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen Pilot Fleet. It marked a significant milestone in our pursuit of sustainable mobility solutions and commitment to addressing environmental challenges head-on, particularly in our region.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is powered by a cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell system that produces zero emissions during operation, with the only byproduct being pure water vapour. Hydrogen fuel cell technology offers the advantages of rapid refuelling and an extended driving range, making it a promising solution for the future of clean transportation.

It’s a testament to our commitment to innovation and our willingness to embrace new technologies that can make a positive difference in the world and align perfectly with our global efforts to combat climate change.

Speaking honestly, what do you consider are the major difficulties about the particular industry you’re in?

The automotive industry is always in a state of flux and faces several challenges. But the biggest challenge ahead of us all is to transition towards sustainable mobility successfully. At BMW Group, we have a clear path to becoming the most sustainable car manufacturer in the world. However, this is a task for the industry and societies at large. We need to rely on innovation and an open technology approach to tackle this.

What do you most love about working in your industry, and what do you most dislike about it?

The entrenched culture of innovation in this industry and the opportunity to shape the future of transportation. We are in a time of immense transformation, with the potential to revolutionise how people move and the environmental impact of mobility. The ability to introduce cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices that make a positive difference in the world is an incredibly rewarding one.

On the flip side, the industry’s fast pace and continuous change can be challenging and highly competitive. Constant adaptation and the ability to pivot at the right time are the only keys to success here. Nevertheless, these challenges are also opportunities for growth and to make a positive impact.

What according to you are the key qualities or skills that every leader should possess in order to thrive?

Leading by example, staying calm under pressure, adaptability, strategic thinking, innovation, and having a global perspective are all hallmarks of an effective leader. It’s important for a leader to demonstrate the values and work ethic they expect from their team. They must be able to foster a resilient and level-headed mindset within the team while navigating the rapidly changing landscape in the sector and regional market. It’s crucial for the leader to implement creative decisions that drive the business forward and embrace new technologies and practices.

Can you describe a difficult business decision you had to make and how did you handle it?

A major challenge to bringing hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles into the regional market is the lack of a comprehensive hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. Additionally, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have become popular and gained market traction in recent years, leading to a higher adoption rate compared to fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Without a comprehensive network of filling stations, customers may hesitate to adopt hydrogen FCEVs but we nevertheless made the decision to roll out our pilot fleet of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, the physical manifestation of our commitment to sustainable mobility.

Hydrogen mobility presents several opportunities for the region, not least that it provides a clean and efficient energy carrier, allowing for the storage and transport of renewable energy, which is crucial for achieving climate goals. So, the end result is set to be a win-win even if it was a difficult business decision to make at the start.

The Middle East is perfectly poised to lead the global green hydrogen market, thanks to abundant renewable resources, geographical advantages, and significant investment in infrastructure. Another promising sign is the initiative by Paris-based fund manager Hy24, which is building a multi-million-euro fund aimed at investing in the hydrogen supply chain, including in the MENA region. The UAE’s own ambitious goal of achieving hydrogen production of 1.4 million tonnes annually by 2031 – increasing to 15 million tonnes every year by 2050 – was another encouraging factor.