Bentley Motors Welcomes Axel Dewitz As New Board Member For Finance And IT Effective April 2025

Published: Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 21:49 [IST]

Bentley Motors has announced that Axel Dewitz will join the Board of Management as the new head of Finance and IT, starting 1 April 2025. Dewitz will report directly to Chairman and CEO Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser. He takes over from Jan-Henrik Lafrentz, who is leaving Bentley after ten years for a new role within the Volkswagen Group.

Axel Dewitz brings a wealth of experience from his 22-year career with the Volkswagen Group, where he held various senior roles, particularly at AUDI AG. His most recent position was Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Finance and Mergers and Acquisitions at AUDI AG. Before this, he managed Corporate Strategy, Taxes, Customs, and Investment Concepts for the organisation.

Dewitz played a key role in Porsche AG's IPO by leading a group project management team. Reflecting on his new role at Bentley, Dewitz stated: "Bentley is a brand with a rich and illustrious history and I remember joining the Volkswagen Group just at the time of the launch of the Continental GT, a car that changed the face of the company. Today, I am filled with excitement about the company I am joining, in the middle of navigating a transformative phase for the future, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to fully realise those ambitious goals."

Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser expressed enthusiasm about Dewitz's appointment: "I am delighted to welcome Axel to the Board of Management after such an impressive career so far with the Volkswagen Group, and such dedication to our close partners at AUDI AG. His recent experiences will prove valuable to us at a time of strategic transition and as our product and investment offensive continues at pace."

Walliser also took time to acknowledge Jan-Henrik Lafrentz's contributions during his decade-long tenure: "I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Jan-Henrik for his leadership, support and governance over the 10-year period he has been with Bentley. He has made a significant and vital contribution to the business, achieving record sales and profits in spite of a number of globally challenging situations. Importantly, he has helped drive a robust financial position, consistently, and leaves Bentley with strong and sustainable foundations as we enter our next chapter. I thank him on behalf of the business and wish him continued success as he embarks on a new adventure."

Lafrentz's next position within Volkswagen Group will be revealed soon. This move marks another step in his extensive 30-year career with Volkswagen.