Bentley has officially announced Frank-Steffen Walliser, a seasoned professional from the Volkswagen Group’s Porsche division, as the new CEO of Bentley, effective July 1. Walliser succeeds Adrian Hallmark, who will transition to Aston Martin as CEO starting October 1, following the retirement of Amedeo Felisa.
The new CEO of Bentley, Walliser, has had a long and impactful career at Porsche, beginning in 1995. His notable achievements include leading the development of the 918 Spyder hypercar starting in 2010. His career trajectory at Porsche saw him head the motorsports division and manage the 718 and 911 sports car lines, culminating in his role overseeing overall vehicle development. Walliser’s extensive experience and engineering expertise make him a key figure in Porsche’s innovation efforts.
With a robust background in mechanical engineering, particularly in internal-combustion engines, the new CEO of Bentley steps in during a crucial transition phase for Bentley. The company is in the process of launching what is expected to be its final internal-combustion engine—a twin-turbocharged V-8 as part of the new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain. This powertrain will replace Bentley’s iconic twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 engine, debuting later this year in the updated Continental GT range and delivering 771 horsepower. This underscores Bentley’s commitment to high performance even as it transitions towards electrification under the guidance of the new CEO of Bentley.
In alignment with global automotive trends, the new CEO of Bentley is also steering the company towards electrification, with the development of an electric powertrain set to feature in Bentley’s first fully electric vehicle, anticipated around late 2026. This initiative is part of Bentley’s broader strategy to innovate and adapt in the rapidly evolving luxury automotive market, where sustainability and advanced technology are becoming increasingly crucial.
In a related development, Bentley announced the appointment of Mike Rocco as the new chief of the Americas, its largest market. Rocco, previously head of sales operations for the Americas, steps into the role following Christophe Georges. Georges has returned to Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, U.K., to lead the automaker’s global sales and marketing team. This leadership shift highlights Bentley’s strategic focus on strengthening its market position and enhancing global operations under the leadership of the new CEO of Bentley.
These strategic leadership changes and ongoing advancements in powertrain technology signify Bentley’s commitment to maintaining its legacy of luxury and performance while embracing the future of automotive innovation under the new CEO of Bentley.
