- Frank-Steffen Walliser will be appointed the new Chairman and CEO of Bentley, a few months after Adrian Hallmark’s departure
- Dr. Walliser spent his entire career at Porsche and has been responsible for overall vehicle development at Stuttgart since 2022
- Earlier in his career, the engineer signed off on the Porsche 918 Spyder
Bentley announced that Frank-Steffen Walliser will become its new Chairman and CEO, starting July 1, 2024. Dr. Walliser, an engineer and high-ranked executive who has been with Porsche for most of the last three decades, replaces Adrian Hallmark at the head of Bentley following his sudden departure last March.
Frank-Steffen Walliser studied mechanical engineering with a focus on combustion engines and technology before joining Porsche in 1995. He has remained with the Stuttgart brand ever since, becoming a crucial member of the engineering team.
More: 2025 Bentley Continental GT Debuts In June With 771 HP PHEV V8
Among his greatest achievements is being the overall project leader on the Porsche 918 Spyder, known for being a member of the “holy trinity” of electrified hypercars alongside the McLaren P1 and La Ferrari. In 2019, Dr. Walliser took over the management of the 911 and 718 product lines, and since 2022 he has been in charge of Porsche’s overall vehicle development.
A quick visit to Dr. Walliser’s LinkedIn profile proves that he is a true petrolhead. More specifically, his short bio currently reads: “Automotive guy and manager, racer by heart and experience. Addicted to normally aspirated, high revving engines and stick shift”. The experienced manager and engineer joins Bentley in a time of change, as the Crewe brand drops the iconic W12 engine and embraces electrification across its lineup.
The 2025 Bentley Continental GT will feature a PHEV powertrain
Dr. Walliser said: “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.”
Gernot Döllner, Audi CEO and Chairman of the Board responsible for Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, and Ducati commented: “With his distinct technological expertise and experience in the luxury segment, Walliser will successfully lead Bentley into the electrified future.” Döllner added that Walliser’s “many years of experience and knowledge of the luxury segment will be invaluable” to the Crewe brand.
Bentley’s former CEO, Adrian Hallmark, stepped down in March 2024, after six successful years in the role. Immediately after the announcement of his departure from Bentley, Hallmark became the new CEO of Aston Martin.
