Frank-Steffen Walliser appointed as new Bentley CEO

Frank-Steffen Walliser will take over the position of Chairman and CEO at Bentley on July 1, 2024

In a strategic move to bolster its engineering prowess and accelerate its journey towards the zenith of luxury automotive, Bentley Motors has appointed Frank-Steffen Walliser, a seasoned engineer with a distinguished track record, as its new engineering head. This appointment underscores Bentley’s commitment to advancing innovation and maintaining its position as a frontrunner in the luxury segment.

Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, expressed his confidence in Walliser, citing his extensive experience and entrepreneurial acumen. Walliser’s notable contributions at Porsche, including spearheading the development of the iconic Porsche 918 Spyder, underscore his capability to drive brand-defining models to fruition. Döllner emphasised Walliser’s invaluable insights into the luxury automotive domain, which will undoubtedly fortify Bentley’s trajectory towards excellence.

In response to his appointment, Walliser conveyed his eagerness to join the talented team at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe. Recognizing the team’s remarkable achievements in recent years, Walliser expressed his reverence for Bentley’s legacy and his readiness to navigate the evolving landscape of the automotive industry. He reiterated his conviction that Bentley will continue to set benchmarks in the luxury segment under his stewardship.

Walliser’s journey in engineering began with a foundation in mechanical engineering, with a focus on combustion engines and technology management. His tenure at Porsche, spanning nearly three decades, saw him assume pivotal roles, including leadership positions in motorsport and product development. Notably, Walliser played a pivotal role as the project leader for the visionary Porsche 918 Spyder, showcasing his adeptness in pioneering future-oriented super sports cars.

Since 2022, Walliser has been entrusted with overseeing overall vehicle development at Porsche, where he has demonstrated his proficiency in shaping vehicle architecture and characteristics. His multifaceted expertise and strategic vision position him as an invaluable asset for Bentley as it charts its course towards innovation and luxury leadership.

Adrian Hallmark, CEO of Bentley Motors, expressed his enthusiasm for Walliser’s appointment, citing his confidence in Walliser’s ability to drive Bentley’s engineering endeavours to new heights. Hallmark reiterated Bentley’s commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining luxury in the automotive sphere.

In welcoming Frank-Steffen Walliser to its ranks, Bentley Motors signals a new chapter characterised by innovation, excellence, and a relentless pursuit of automotive perfection. With Walliser at the helm of engineering, Bentley is poised to continue its legacy of crafting extraordinary vehicles that embody the pinnacle of luxury and performance.

Amit Saraswat: