Bentley Motors secures seasoned financial expertise for its leadership team. Axel Dewitz joins the prestigious British marque following a distinguished 22-year career within the Volkswagen Group, where he has demonstrated exceptional capabilities in corporate finance, strategy and investment management.
Effective 1 April 2025, Dewitz will assume the role of Board Member for Finance and IT, reporting directly to Chairman and CEO Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser. The appointment comes at a crucial juncture for Bentley as the company continues its product and investment offensive while navigating the broader transformations reshaping the automotive landscape.
Strategic financial leadership
Dewitz brings considerable financial acumen developed through numerous senior positions within the Volkswagen Group, most notably at AUDI AG. His most recent role as Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Finance and Mergers and Acquisitions at AUDI AG provided him with valuable experience in high-level financial strategy and corporate development.
The new Board Member’s previous responsibilities included oversight of Corporate Strategy, Taxes, Customs and Investment Concepts for the German premium automotive manufacturer. His portfolio demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of financial governance and strategic planning within the luxury automotive sector.
Particularly noteworthy among Dewitz’s achievements was his instrumental role in the initial public offering of Porsche AG, where he managed key group project elements. This experience with major corporate financial initiatives will prove valuable as Bentley continues to evolve its strategic positioning within the premium automotive market.
Connection to brand heritage
Upon his appointment, Dewitz expressed enthusiasm about joining the storied British manufacturer: “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.”
His statement reveals both awareness of Bentley’s transformative moments and appreciation for the marque’s heritage. The Continental GT reference demonstrates understanding of how strategic product decisions can fundamentally reshape a luxury automotive brand’s trajectory and market position.
“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,” Dewitz added, acknowledging the significant strategic initiatives currently underway at Bentley.
Leadership transition
Dr. Walliser welcomed the new appointment, highlighting the value Dewitz brings to Bentley during this pivotal period: “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.”
The new appointment coincides with the departure of Jan-Henrik Lafrentz, who leaves Bentley after a cumulative 10-year tenure. Lafrentz will continue his 30-year career with the Volkswagen Group in a new position, which will be formally announced in the coming weeks.
Dr. Walliser acknowledged the significant contributions Lafrentz made during his time with Bentley: “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.”
Record of financial success
Under Lafrentz’s financial stewardship, Bentley achieved remarkable commercial results despite facing numerous global challenges. His leadership contributed substantially to record sales and profit figures while establishing solid financial foundations that position the company favourably for its next development phase.
The outgoing financial leader helped create robust fiscal structures that supported Bentley’s growth despite volatile global conditions. This financial resilience will serve the company well as it continues to pursue ambitious product development and market expansion strategies under new financial leadership.
“Importantly, he has helped drive a robust financial position, consistently, and leaves Bentley with strong and sustainable foundations as we enter our next chapter,” Dr. Walliser noted. “I thank him on behalf of the business and wish him continued success as he embarks on a new adventure.”
Automotive industry transformation
Dewitz assumes his position during an era of profound change across the automotive landscape. Premium manufacturers face multifaceted challenges that require sophisticated financial planning and resource allocation to maintain competitiveness and profitability.
The transition to electrification demands substantial investment in new technologies, platforms and production facilities. Simultaneously, digitalisation transforms both vehicle capabilities and customer engagement models, requiring additional resource commitments across multiple business domains.
Financial expertise becomes particularly crucial during such periods of technological transition. The appointment of a seasoned financial strategist suggests Bentley’s recognition of the importance of experienced fiscal leadership when navigating complex investment decisions with long-term strategic implications.
Volkswagen Group talent development
The executive movement illustrates the Volkswagen Group’s approach to talent development and deployment across its portfolio of brands. By rotating executives through various positions within different marques, the group cultivates leaders with broad perspectives and diverse operational experiences.
Dewitz represents the continuation of this talent management approach, with his 22-year career spanning significant positions across the group structure. His progression demonstrates how the Volkswagen Group cultivates leadership capabilities through exposure to different market segments and business challenges.
This internal mobility allows executives to gain varied experiences while maintaining valuable institutional knowledge. The practice supports strategic alignment across the Volkswagen portfolio while allowing each brand to benefit from fresh perspectives brought by executives with diverse group experiences.
Financial governance for future innovation
As Bentley progresses through its second century, the company faces numerous strategic decisions that will shape its long-term market position. These include balancing heritage with innovation, maintaining exclusivity while pursuing growth, and embracing sustainability without compromising luxury expectations.
Financial discipline remains essential for luxury manufacturers seeking to fund substantial technological advancements while maintaining profitability. Dewitz’s background in financial strategy and investment assessment provides valuable capabilities for evaluating competing priorities and allocating resources effectively.
The timing of this appointment suggests Bentley’s proactive approach to ensuring robust financial governance during a period of significant investment and product development. Strong fiscal leadership creates the foundation necessary for pursuing ambitious innovation agendas while maintaining business performance.
Strategic automotive brand management
Premium automotive brands like Bentley operate in a complex environment that requires sophisticated brand management alongside financial acumen. The luxury sector demands maintaining exclusivity and craftsmanship traditions while simultaneously embracing technological innovation and responding to evolving consumer expectations.
This balancing act requires strategic financial planning that supports brand values while funding necessary transformations. Dewitz’s experience with premium and luxury brands within the Volkswagen Group provides valuable perspective on managing these sometimes competing priorities.
His background in corporate strategy and investment concepts offers important tools for evaluating initiatives that maintain Bentley’s distinctive market positioning while preparing the brand for future competitive challenges. This blend of financial expertise and strategic thinking will prove valuable during Bentley’s current transformative phase.
