Porsche Veteran Frank-Steffen Walliser Assumes CEO Role at Bentley

Porsche Veteran Frank-Steffen Walliser Assumes CEO Role at Bentley

(IN BRIEF) Frank-Steffen Walliser, a seasoned engineer known for his pivotal role in developing iconic Porsche models like the 918 Spyder, is set to become Chairman and CEO of Bentley starting July 1. Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, highlights Walliser’s extensive product and technology expertise, emphasizing his potential to propel Bentley towards leadership in the luxury segment. Walliser expresses his excitement for the opportunity, acknowledging Bentley’s impressive performance and affirming his commitment to navigating the ongoing transformation of the automotive industry alongside the Crewe team. With a background in mechanical engineering and decades of experience at Porsche, Walliser’s appointment signifies Bentley’s ambition to continue setting standards in the luxury automotive market.

(PRESS RELEASE) CREWE, 29-May-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Frank-Steffen Walliser is moving from Porsche to Bentley to take on the post of Chairman and CEO on July 1.

“In Frank-Steffen Walliser, Bentley is getting an experienced engineer with distinct product and technology expertise and entrepreneurial experience who brought brand-defining models to the streets at Porsche, including the Porsche 918 Spyder. 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,” said Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, who’s responsible for the Brand Group Progressive comprising Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, and Ducati within the Volkswagen Group.

“I am approaching this job with great respect and looking forward to having a team in Crewe that 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” Frank-Steffen Walliser said.

After studying mechanical engineering with a focus on combustion engines and technology management, Frank-Steffen Walliser joined Porsche in 1995 and has remained loyal to the brand ever since.

In 2010, the native of Stuttgart became the overall project leader responsible for the development of the future-oriented 918 Spyder super sports car. Starting in 2014, he made a name for himself as Head of Motorsport before taking over management of the 911 and 718 product lines at the beginning of 2019. Since 2022, he has been in charge of overall vehicle development (vehicle architecture and characteristics) at Porsche.

Media Contacts:

MATTHEW REED
Head of Corporate Communications
matthew.reed@bentley.co.uk

WAYNE BRUCE
Chief Communications and D&I Officer
wayne.bruce@bentley.co.uk

SOURCE: Bentley