Bentley Motors has appointed T.Jon Mayer as its new Head of Exterior Design and Design Operations, effective immediately. He succeeds Domen Rucigaj, who has taken up a new role within the Volkswagen Group.
In his new position, Mayer will lead Bentley’s Exterior Design team and oversee the brand’s future design direction across production vehicles, concept cars and exterior design language. His responsibilities will also include shaping Bentley’s design approach as the luxury automaker moves towards electrification, beginning with the upcoming Bentley Torcal.
Mayer will retain responsibility for Design Operations, covering digital modelling, visualisation and advanced virtual design processes. He joined Bentley in 2024 as Head of UX Design and Design Operations and brings more than two decades of international automotive design experience.
T.Jon Mayer’s Automotive Design Background
Before joining Bentley, Mayer spent 13 years with Volvo Cars, holding senior roles including Head of Exterior Design and Head of Design for Volvo Cars USA. During his tenure, he led the exterior design of models such as the Volvo EX60, EX30, S60, V60 and V60 Cross Country.
He also contributed to Volvo’s Concept Coupe family and played a role in developing the brand’s distinctive Thor’s Hammer headlight design signature.
Mayer studied at Carnegie Mellon University before continuing his design education at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California.
At Bentley, Mayer will report to Robin Page, Director of Design, and lead a 45-member team responsible for exterior design development across the company’s current and future vehicle portfolio, along with digital surfacing and visualisation operations.
Mayer to Shape Bentley’s Next-Generation Design
Commenting on the appointment, Robin Page highlighted Mayer’s contribution to strengthening the connection between creative design and product development at Bentley. He also noted Mayer’s role in taking the UX vision for the Torcal from the concept stage through to production.
Mayer said he looks forward to leading Bentley’s Exterior Design team as the company develops its next generation of products. His appointment comes as Bentley prepares to evolve its design identity while moving into an increasingly electrified future.
