Steering along with Rahil Ansari

Two words that come to our mind when we think of Audi are aspirational and stylish. What does Audi as a brand mean for you?

Clearly it means sophistication and progression for me. It just amazes me how new cars from Audi can excite me time and time again.

Read FHM India in the digital libraryEvery issue, every shoot, on TCG Media.

If you have to select a vehicle for a person on the basis of their personality which one would you select from your fleet and why:

Shahrukh Khan: The A3 Cabriolet. He could have taken Kajol on a romantic drive in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.

Kamaal R Khan: Probably the A4. So that he can interact with the virtual cockpit.

Donald Trump: Clearly the A5 Cabriolet for the nice breeze in his hair.

Count Dracula: The R8 as he has supernatural abilities.

Thor: Must be the Q7 to put the hammer in the trunk.

You have recently taken charge of the Indian market for Audi. In the past we've had someone like a Michael Perschke who was a very flamboyant and outgoing CEO and a Joe King who was liked to stay behind the limelight. Undoubtedly both were very effective in their own ways. What is your style of leadership?

Internally, it is important to empower the team and trust their abilities. Externally, I'm surely not an introvert. I am young, energetic and have a vision and I like my team to exhibit these qualities as well. So stay tuned.

Tell us a bit about your passions. Apart from work what are you into. How do you unwind?

I'm into sports, playing badminton on a regular basis and any kind of ball sports such as football, tennis or basketball. Apart from this, I'm a big fan of Bayern Munich, so the Champions League nights keep me busy and awake.

In your opinion, what is the best way to hand out a pink slip?

I believe in mutual trust and respect, so a face-to-face conversation is the best way to do it, even if it is not the easiest way.

Any CEO/founder you admire... and why?

Amancio Ortega, the founder of Inditex Group with brands such as Zara. He is a self-made billionaire and left school at the age of 14 to support his family. I admire people who work hard in their lives. They truly inspire me.

Five things that one would always find on you…

1. My watch

2. My wedding ring (my wife wouldn’t agree though).

3. Coloured socks (matching my tie, shirt or the shoes).

4. A shirt (I just love wearing them).

5. Perfume (nothing bad about a good smell).

From the July 2017 issue of FHM India.