Hinrich is a Global Automotive and Manufacturing CEO and Board Member with a track record of increasing shareholder value by leading and operating Tier 1 Suppliers and OEM’s. Since early 2019, he has been a Senior Advisor to Private Equity and Start-Ups in the Automotive and related Tech Industries.

Most recently, Hinrich was President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America Inc. which included a family of worldwide brands: Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Electrify America, as well as VW Credit, Inc. in the United States. He had full P&L responsibility for Volkswagen across the North American Region (USA, Mexico and Canada), and responsibility for all activities, including Sales and Marketing, R&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and all other corporate functions. Hinrich was recruited by VW in early 2016, three months after their emission scandal. He successfully managed the substantial brand and corporate crisis resulting in a successful turnaround and renewed stakeholder trust. 

Prior to joining Volkswagen AG, Hinrich spent 30 years in manufacturing and automotive including nearly 10 years with the BMW Group where he held senior leadership positions, including Global Procurement and Driving Dynamics on Senior Vice President level. Hinrich also has deep experience and insight in Tier 1 Suppliers and OEM’s, electric mobility, driving assistant systems, supply chain, product and manufacturing, regulatory management and change management.