Bentley has announced that Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser will be taking over as the new Chairman and CEO, following Adrian Hallmark’s departure earlier this year to join Aston Martin. Dr. Walliser has an impressive background, with extensive experience at Porsche, where he worked on projects such as the 918 Spyder and managed key roles in motorsports and roadgoing sports cars.
Having joined Porsche as an intern in 1995, Dr. Walliser has worked his way up the ranks and has been leading overall vehicle development since 2022. His mechanical engineering background and Stuttgart roots make him a fitting choice to lead Bentley into an electrified future, in line with the company’s Beyond100 product strategy aiming for an electrified lineup by 2030.
In a statement from Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG, it is highlighted that Dr. Walliser’s experience and knowledge of the luxury segment will be invaluable in Bentley’s journey towards becoming a leading provider in the luxury market. Dr. Walliser himself expressed his excitement for the new role, acknowledging the impressive performance of the team in Crewe and the challenges of the transforming automotive industry.
Interestingly, Dr. Walliser will be the second former head of Porsche R&D to lead Bentley, following Wolfgang Durheimer’s tenure. Durheimer, who had previously worked on the 911 model line at Porsche, had two stints as head of Bentley before Adrian Hallmark took over in 2018. Dr. Walliser will officially assume his new position at Bentley on July 1, 2024.
This leadership change comes at a pivotal time for Bentley, as the luxury automaker shifts towards electrification and embraces new challenges in the automotive industry. With Dr. Walliser’s expertise and background, Bentley aims to continue its legacy of crafting exceptional luxury vehicles while adapting to the evolving landscape of the industry. The future looks promising for Bentley under the guidance of its new CEO.