Helmut List was born in Graz, Austria, and completed his mechanical engineering studies at the Graz University of Technology as a graduate engineer in 1967. Since 1979 he has been Chairman and CEO of AVL List GmbH (“AVL”), which was founded by his father in 1948. His vision and continuous commitment was the driving force behind the rapid growth of AVL. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a global mobility technology company.
One of Helmut List’s priorities is the targeted application of research. This can be seen in the vast number of collaborations with university institutions at home and abroad. In addition to these activities, he also works as chairman of the research and development working group of the Federation of Industrialists, as honorary consul of the Republic of Korea, and in multiple Research Associations. During his career he was an active member of the automotive community as either Chairman or Board Member of several European associations, councils, and committees, for example, the European Industrial Research Management Association (EIRMA), the International Research and Development Actions (IRDAC), the European Automotive Research Partners Association (EARPA), and the Sustainable Surface Transport Advisory Group (SSTAG).
Central to the company’s success is the pioneering spirit exemplified by Helmut List, which has a significant influence on the culture of AVL. With his visionary mindset focused on making future technologies a reality, he understands that expertise alone is not enough, and that you also require courage “because only the courageous look beyond the horizon and make discoveries that lead to outstanding innovations.” His creativity is not limited to mobility alone. Helmut List sees the synergies between art and science, and is an avid promoter of arts, culture, and creative thinking.
As CEO of an internationally competitive company, he sees it as his duty to do his bit to help solve social, cultural, and environmental challenges – particularly regarding environmental protection, sustainability, and global emissions. Helmut List is dedicated to continuing his commitment to fighting climate change.