Bentley names new CEO to drive electrification

Bentley has named Frank-Steffen Walliser as the new Chairman and CEO of the company to drive into electrification. Walliser will succeed Adrian Hallmark, who left the company in March this year.

Walliser, who will start his tenure as Bentley’s CEO on July 1, studied mechanical engineering for combustion engines and technology management. He joined Porsche in 1995 and remained a key personnel ever since.

In 2010, he became the project leader for a future-oriented 918 Spyder super sports car. In 2014, Walliser became a Head of Motorsport before handling 911 and 718 product management in 2019. Since 2022, Walliser has been in charge of overall vehicle development at Porsche.

Frank-Steffen Walliser, Chairman and CEO of Bentley (Image Source – Bentley)

“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.

(source)