Bentley Motors has announced the appointment of Axel Dewitz as its new Board Member for Finance and IT, effective April 1, 2025. Dewitz will report directly to Chairman and CEO Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, succeeding Jan-Henrik Lafrentz, who is set to take on a new role within the Volkswagen Group after a decade-long tenure at Bentley.
With over 22 years of experience within the Volkswagen Group, Dewitz has held several senior positions, primarily at AUDI AG. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Finance and Mergers & Acquisitions at AUDI AG. Prior to this, he led Corporate Strategy, Taxes, Customs, and Investment Concepts, and played a pivotal role in Porsche AG’s IPO as a group project manager.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the new role, Axel Dewitz stated:
“Bentley is a brand with a rich and illustrious history, and I remember joining the Volkswagen Group just as the Continental GT was launched—a car that transformed the company. Today, I am excited to join Bentley at a critical moment as it navigates a transformative phase for the future. I look forward to working with my colleagues to achieve the company’s ambitious goals.”
Welcoming Dewitz to the leadership team, Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, remarked:
“I am delighted to welcome Axel to the Board of Management after an impressive career within the Volkswagen Group, particularly with our close partners at AUDI AG. His experience in corporate finance and strategic investment will be invaluable as Bentley undergoes a period of significant transition and continues its aggressive product and investment strategy.”
Dr. Walliser also extended his gratitude to Jan-Henrik Lafrentz, acknowledging his decade of leadership at Bentley:
“Jan-Henrik has played a vital role in Bentley’s success, helping the brand achieve record sales and profits despite global challenges. His financial expertise has strengthened the company’s foundations, ensuring long-term stability. On behalf of Bentley, I sincerely thank him and wish him success in his next endeavor.”
Lafrentz’s next role within the Volkswagen Group will be announced in the coming weeks, furthering his 30-year career with the company.
With this transition, Bentley Motors continues to fortify its leadership team, positioning itself for sustained growth and innovation in the luxury automotive sector.
