On July 1, 2024, Frank-Steffen Walliser—who previously served as Porsche's Chief Executive Officer, overseeing all aspects of vehicle development—took over as Chairman and CEO of Bentley. Walliser's extensive experience in automotive engineering and management, highlighted by his pivotal role in the creation of the Porsche 918 Spyder, positions him as a strategic asset for Bentley. His appointment was praised by Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, who emphasized Walliser’s significant contributions to Porsche’s brand-defining models and his expertise in the luxury segment, which are expected to further Bentley's ambition of leading the luxury automotive market.
After completing his mechanical engineering degree with an emphasis on combustion engines and technology management, Walliser started working for Porsche in 1995. He led the development of the 918 Spyder and later served as Head of Motorsport and manager of the 911 and 718 product lines. Since 2022, he has been overseeing the comprehensive vehicle development at Porsche. Walliser expressed his respect for the role and enthusiasm for working with Bentley’s team in Crewe, acknowledging the challenges posed by the ongoing transformation in the automotive industry and his commitment to maintaining Bentley’s standards in the luxury market.