Frank-Steffen Walliser has left Porsche after nearly 30 years to become the new head of Bentley. Walliser will assume his role as chairman and CEO of Bentley on July 1.
Walliser’s departure marks the end of an almost three-decade-long tenure with Porsche. During his time at Porsche, Walliser played a key role in developing the 918 Spyder. He later managed the 911 and 718 production lines. Walliser also served as head of motorsport and has held his current position overseeing vehicle development since 2022.
He will replace Adrian Hallmark at Bentley, who similarly announced his own move to Aston Martin earlier this year. Bentley’s leadership expressed excitement about Walliser’s appointment and their anticipation of working with him.
Gernot Döllner is chairman of the board of management of Audi AG, responsible for Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, and Ducati. He stated: “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 918 Spyder. On Bentley’s ongoing path toward becoming the leading provider in the luxury segment, his many years of experience and knowledge of the luxury segment will be invaluable.”
Walliser himself commented: “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.”
This leadership transition comes at a crucial time for Bentley as it navigates the evolving automotive landscape. Additionally, Walliser’s extensive experience and proven track record at Porsche are expected to bring significant benefits to Bentley’s future endeavours. The industry will watch closely to see how Walliser’s leadership influences Bentley’s growth and innovation in the luxury car market.
Under Walliser’s guidance, Bentley aims to continue setting high standards in the luxury automotive segment. His appointment underscores Bentley’s commitment to maintaining its position as a leading luxury car manufacturer. The combination of Walliser’s expertise and Bentley’s established reputation promises a bright future for the brand.
Furthermore, Walliser’s move to Bentley signifies a significant change in the leadership of one of the world’s most renowned luxury car brands. His extensive background in vehicle development position him well to lead Bentley through its next phase of growth. The industry anticipates that Walliser will bring innovation to Bentley, ensuring its continued success in the competitive luxury car market.