Bentley Motors Appoints Franziska Jostock

Bentley Motors has recruited Franziska Jostock from Porsche AG to lead communications across Europe, Middle East and Africa. The German executive brings twelve years of automotive experience, including leadership of the Stuttgart manufacturer's Type 7 editorial platform
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Elizabeth Jenkins-Smalley

Editor In Chief at The Executive Magazine

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The British luxury automotive manufacturer has selected Franziska Jostock to lead communications across Europe, Middle East and Africa, effective August 2025. The German executive brings twelve years of experience from Porsche AG, where she guided brand communications for the Stuttgart marque’s celebrated editorial initiatives.

Jostock’s appointment establishes dual reporting lines into Richard Leopold, Regional Director for Europe, MEIA and UK, and Wayne Bruce, Chief Communications and DEIB Officer. This structure reflects the manufacturer’s integrated approach to regional market engagement whilst maintaining alignment with global communications strategy.

The timing coincides with the company’s continued expansion across international markets, where sophisticated communications approaches prove essential for luxury brand development. Jostock’s experience with digital storytelling and automotive culture positions her to navigate the complex media landscape spanning diverse EMEA territories.

Leadership appointment brings digital communications expertise

The new director’s career foundation was established during an extensive tenure at Porsche AG, where she progressed through senior positions across communications, brand and marketing disciplines. Her most recent responsibility involved leading brand communications for Type 7, the German manufacturer’s acclaimed editorial platform recognised for sophisticated automotive storytelling approaches.

Prior to this role, she held multiple senior positions across the sports car marque’s communications operations, developing expertise in performance luxury brand management. This background provides direct relevance to automotive communications within the premium sector, where brand positioning requires nuanced understanding of discerning customer expectations.

“Bentley is an extraordinary brand that embodies bespoke luxury and performance. I’m honoured to join the team and bring my experience in communications, storytelling, and car culture to support its exciting future.”

Fransziska Jostock – Head of Communications for EMEA

Her transition from one of the automotive industry’s most respected communications operations signals the British manufacturer’s commitment to strengthening narrative development across strategically important markets. The appointment enables the organisation to leverage proven expertise in luxury automotive brand communications whilst expanding regional market engagement.

Leading Communications Across EMEA Landscape

Jostock assumes responsibility for all communications activities across Europe, Middle East and Africa, encompassing one of the manufacturer’s most varied and strategically significant territories. This region presents unique challenges, spanning established European luxury markets alongside emerging Middle Eastern economies and diverse African commercial landscapes.

The role requires coordination with the company’s retailer network across these markets, ensuring consistent brand messaging whilst supporting localised market initiatives. Her responsibilities include navigating cultural sensitivities and market dynamics that vary considerably across EMEA territories, from traditional European automotive cultures to rapidly developing luxury markets in the Middle East.

The appointment addresses contemporary communications requirements where traditional media relations must integrate seamlessly with digital platforms and social media engagement. This expertise proves particularly relevant given the diverse media landscapes and varying digital adoption rates across the extensive EMEA region.

Aligning Regional and Global Communications Strategies

Regional Director Leopold emphasised the significance of Jostock’s modern approach to storytelling, particularly relevant for communications leadership across the EMEA region’s diverse markets. Her understanding of automotive communications, combined with digital expertise, provides the foundation for enhanced market engagement across culturally distinct territories.

“Her experience and understanding of automotive communications, combined with a modern and digital approach to storytelling, positions her perfectly to lead our communications efforts in the EMEA region and support our valued retailer network across this diverse and dynamic market.”

Richard Leopold, Regional Director, Europe, MEIA and UK

The dual reporting structure enables the organisation to maintain consistency in global brand positioning whilst addressing specific cultural and market nuances characterising the diverse EMEA region. This approach reflects contemporary corporate communications practices that balance centralised strategy with localised execution requirements.

Supporting Bentley’s Evolution in Growing Luxury Markets

The appointment supports the manufacturer’s broader strategy to strengthen positioning across these markets whilst maintaining sophisticated brand positioning. Jostock’s comprehensive experience across multiple disciplines within automotive communications extends beyond traditional communications roles to encompass brand strategy and cultural engagement.

Her background with performance luxury brand management provides valuable insight into communications approaches required for premium automotive brands operating in diverse international markets. This experience proves directly applicable to the company’s positioning within the luxury automotive sector across varying regional preferences and market conditions.

The timing aligns with the company’s continued international expansion, where effective communications play crucial roles in brand development and market penetration across the EMEA region’s combination of established luxury markets and emerging economies with growing affluent consumer segments.

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