Name: Johan de Nysschen Title: President, Cadillac Company, city: Cadillac; New York, N.Y. Number of employees: 350 globally Recent project: The ongoing development of a new dealer rewards and compensation program. We strive for dealers who contribute to the brand and identity, not simply compete with other dealers. We want dealers to be profitable and will help them to renovate in the new brand image. New, enhanced services include courtesy car service, 24-hour roadside assistance and training. First job: My first position was at a men’s fashion store in Johannesburg. Little-known fact about you: I was an accomplished track and field athlete and held hurdles records.

Your Business

Essential business philosophy: Good is the enemy of great. Set ambitious standards and move mountains to achieve them. While you set ambitious goals, you must play hard, work hard and enjoy your personal time. I set ambitious standards with the idea of working toward perfection and the culture of excellence. I find interesting insights from someone who has enjoyed life. Best way to keep a competitive edge: Constantly innovate and keep an eye on the competition, but focus on your own business and your strengths and weaknesses. One must innovate and lead. Yardstick of success: Focus on quality, not quantity. We are a luxury brand and must be aspirational. Rather than park a Cadillac in every driveway, we must have them in the right driveways. Cadillac is restoring its brand.

Johan de Nysschen as a Traveler

What is the most important item you take when traveling? Phone charger, iPad and a quality sport coat to be prepared for any occasion How do you spend your time on board? I listen to music, work on emails and read about the industry. What is your favorite restaurant in the world? Tin Lung Heen at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong What is your favorite destination in the world? In the African bush, particularly Londolozi, South Africa, I find peace in my soul.

About Cadillac

What are luxury car buyers looking for from today’s vehicles? There is a convergence of new technology with automobiles, and Cadillac leads the way with 4G LTE connectivity plus OnStar. The amount of data coming into and out of vehicles is going to increase, and swiftly. We are working on creative ways to display it while also developing state-of-the-art auto mode offering drivers a super cruise experience useful in heavy traffic. We are researching alternative powertrains, including electric vehicle engine and fuel cell research. What can people expect from Cadillac and its vehicles in the future? The CT6 flagship automobile for Cadillac launched, and the XT5 mid-sized crossover is out for delivery. Our plan is to broaden the Cadillac brand globally, as we are U.S.-centric at this stage. Globally, we are launching 11 new products in new markets, and by 2020 the product line will be complete. This is an unprecedented investment by General Motors in the Cadillac brand. The Fairmont Hotels and Resorts partnership has been successful, and we are looking to expand. We have a strong alliance with American Airlines, and there will be other airline partnerships. We also want to develop a reliable, certified pre-owned vehicles program.