Bentley has named Porsche vehicle development chief Frank-Steffen Walliser as its new boss, succeeding Adrian Hallmark, who in March announced a shock switch to Aston Martin.
The German – who helped to bring some of Porsche’s most famed modern sports cars to market, such as the 918 Spyder – will take up the post of chairman and CEO from 1 July.
Hallmark, who left Bentley with immediate effect in March, is expected to start his new role as Aston CEO “no later than 1 October 2024", the brand has previously said.
Gernot Döllner, boss of Bentley parent company Audi, said: “In Frank-Steffen Walliser, Bentley is getting an experienced engineer with distinct product and technology expertise and entrepreneurial experience.
“On Bentley’s ongoing path toward becoming the leading provider in the luxury segment, Frank-Steffen Walliser’s many years of experience and knowledge of the luxury segment will be invaluable.”
Walliser has been Porsche’s head of vehicle development since 2022, specialising in vehicle architecture and characteristics.
Within the German company, which he joined in 1995 as a trainee engineer, Walliser led the 911 and 718 product lines, as well as the brand’s motorsport division.
Speaking about his new role, he said he is “approaching this job with great respect”.
He added: “The team in Crewe has shown impressive performance over the last few years.
“The continuing transformation of the automotive industry will be a major task for Bentley as well, a task that I am happy to take on with the team.
“I am convinced Bentley will continue to set standards in the luxury segment in the future."
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