Bentley Motors has appointed Axel Dewitz as the new Board Member for Finance and IT, effective April 1, 2025. Reporting to Chairman and CEO Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Dewitz will succeed Jan-Henrik Lafrentz, who is departing after a cumulative 10 years at Bentley to take on a new role within the Volkswagen Group.
Axel Dewitz brings over 22 years of experience within the Group, having 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. Before that, he led Corporate Strategy, Taxes, Customs, and Investment Concepts for the organization. Additionally, he played a key role in Porsche AG’s IPO, serving as a group project manager.
Axel Dewitz, comments: “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.”
Building on the appointment, Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, said: “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.
“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.”
Jan-Henrik’s new position will be announced in the coming weeks, extending his own 30-year career with the Volkswagen Group.
