Crewe, 24 February 2025 – Bentley Motors is pleased to announce the appointment of Axel Dewitz as the new Board Member for Finance and IT, effective 1 April 2025. Dewitz will succeed Jan-Henrik Lafrentz, who will leave Bentley after a decade of distinguished service for a new position within the Volkswagen Group.
Axel Dewitz brings over 22 years of experience with the Volkswagen Group, where he has held numerous senior leadership roles. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President at AUDI AG, heading up Corporate Finance and Mergers & Acquisitions. In addition to his corporate finance expertise, Dewitz played an integral role in shaping AUDI AG’s corporate strategy, taxes, customs, and investment concepts, as well as steering the organisation through the successful IPO of Porsche AG.
In welcoming Dewitz, Bentley’s Chairman and CEO, Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, highlighted his extensive experience as being invaluable to Bentley as the company navigates an exciting phase of transformation. “I am delighted to welcome Axel to the Board of Management. His impressive track record within the Volkswagen Group, particularly his leadership at AUDI AG, makes him an ideal fit for Bentley as we continue to execute our strategic vision for the future. Axel’s insights will be crucial as we drive forward with our product and investment ambitions.”
Reflecting on his new role, Dewitz expressed his enthusiasm for the future of Bentley: “Bentley is a brand with a rich and illustrious history. I vividly remember joining the Volkswagen Group during the launch of the Continental GT, a model that truly transformed the company. Today, I am excited to join Bentley at a time when the company is navigating a period of transformative change. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to realise the company’s ambitious goals.”
Dewitz’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Bentley, as the company continues to focus on expanding its product portfolio, driving innovation, and sustaining its strong financial foundation. With Dewitz’s leadership, Bentley aims to strengthen its position as a leader in luxury automotive manufacturing while positioning itself for the future.
Dr. Walliser also took a moment to express his gratitude to Jan-Henrik Lafrentz for his dedicated service. “On behalf of everyone at Bentley, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Jan-Henrik for his exceptional leadership and unwavering support over the past 10 years. His contribution has been instrumental in Bentley’s success, guiding the company through a series of global challenges while ensuring we maintained record sales and profits. He leaves Bentley in a position of strength and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Jan-Henrik Lafrentz’s new role within the Volkswagen Group will be announced in the coming weeks, marking the next chapter in his distinguished 30-year career with the organisation.
As Bentley continues to build on its legacy, Axel Dewitz’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the brand as it looks to the future with ambition and purpose.
