Wolfgang Durheimer Succeeds Dr. Paefgen at Bentley and Bugatti

Volkswagen is making executive changes to the leading Porsche AG management team, as well as to Bentley’s and Bugatti’s. A new Head of Volkswagen Group Motorsport, together with a Head of Powertrain Development, have also been appointed.

52 year-old Wolfgang Durheimer, Porsche’s Executive Vice President Research and Development, has been appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bentley Motors and President and Chief Executive Officer of Bugatti S.A. Coupled with the move that comes into effect from February 1st, 2011, he has also been named Head of Volkswagen Group Motorsport. Durheimer is replacing 64 year-old Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen, who is retiring.

Wolfgang Hatz (51), current Head of Powertrain Development of the Volkswagen Group, has also been appointed executive Vice President, Research and Development at Porsche AG.

"Wolfgang Durheimer represents the outstanding technical competence of Porsche. He will be contributing his knowledge and experience to the further development of the Bentley and Bugatti brands, which hold a leading position in the luxury segment," according to the Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn. He also added that Wolfgang Hatz was an internationally recognized expert in vehicle and engine development.

"Over the past 30 years, he has played a key role in corporate development at the helm of a number of Group brands," said Prof. Winterkorn, thanking Dr. Paefgen.

Dr. Paefgen has played a key role in Bentley’s rebranding and has taken Bugatti to a leading position in automobile technology. His long career with Volkswagen Group started some 20 years ago, in 1980, when he also played key roles in Audi management and as CEO of Lamborghini.