Rupert Stadler has one of the most prestigious jobs in the German car industry. The 45-year-old has been chairman of the board at Audi since the beginning of 2007. The business studies graduate and former Finance Manager had some trouble at the beginning. Many regarded him as a man of figures rather than a true car enthusiast.He first joined Audi in 1990 at the age of 27 as a financial controller in marketing and sales. His big break came when Ferdinand Piëch – at the time still chairman of the board at VW – appointed him as his chief aide in 1997. Stadler loves debates and doesn't mind courting controversy. In the middle of the climate change debate,Audi unveiled its first sports car. He also appears undaunted by the global financial crisis. He has guaranteed his staff work until 2011. By 2015 he has set himself the goal of making Audi the most popular premium car brand. Manuela Kasper-Claridge portrays Audi's chief executive.