British luxury car maker Aston Martin has hired Bentley CEO Adrian Hallmark to become its new managing director and support its shift towards ultra-high-end.
Mr. Hallmark, a 61-year-old Briton, will take up his new role 'no later than October 1', replacing Amedeo Felisa, who arrived in May 2022 and who came from Ferrari, indicates a press release from Aston Martin on Friday.
Adrian Hallmark 'brings more than 25 years of experience' as a manager 'in the United States, Europe and Asia in companies such as Bentley, Porsche and Volkswagen', the press release argues.
Mr Felisa, 77, will remain in post until the arrival of his successor to ensure a 'smooth transition'.
Mr. Hallmark therefore becomes the 4th general manager of James Bond's favorite car brand in just four years: Amedeo Felisa replaced Tobias Moers, recruited in May 2020.
'When Amedeo was appointed CEO, I spoke to him about leading a new phase of growth and development. Two years on, we have delivered on that promise…as we move closer to our vision of becoming a 'British ultra-luxury brand', commented Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll. .
'The transformation of Aston Martin is one of the most exciting projects in the ultra-luxury automotive industry. I look forward to continuing the good momentum of the company' to lead it towards 'even greater success', commented Mr. Hallmark, who studied mechanical engineering at the English University of Wolverhampton.
Record prices
In 2023, Aston Martin halved its loss thanks to a move upmarket towards personalized vehicles and 'record' prices.
The British manufacturer saw its turnover increase by 18% over one year to 1.6 billion pounds, mainly thanks to price increases but also to a small increase in volumes, driven by sports cars like its DB12 launched in 2023.
Saved from bankruptcy in early 2020 by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, who became executive chairman, the brand is now seeking to evolve even further towards luxury and begin the shift towards electrification, but its loss has more than doubled over one year.
In a separate statement, the British manufacturer Bentley, which is part of the German Volkswagen group, stressed that Mr. Hallmark is leaving his position 'with immediate effect', and that he will appoint his successor at a later date.
Mr. Hallmark is leaving 'at his request and by mutual consent', specifies Bentley, praising the manufacturer's 'important steps towards electrification'.
/ATS