Aston Martin appoints departing Bentley boss as new CEO

Aston Martin has named its third chief executive in four years with the appointment of the departing Bentley Motors CEO.

Adrian Hallmark will take the helm of Aston Martin no later than October 1 from his recent position as chairman and CEO, a role he has fulfilled since 2018. 

He takes over from former Ferrari boss Amedeo Felisa, who has been CEO since May 2022 after the departure of Tobias Moers, who had also been in post for just under two years. 

Bentley revealed Hallmark was leaving the Crewe-based manufacturer this morning and said he was leaving at his own request and by mutual consent and that he is preparing for new tasks outside the parent Volkswagen Group with immediate effect.

During his tenure, leading new luxury models were launched and the strategic aim was formed of making Bentley the most sustainable brand of luxury vehicles by 2030.

Hallmark said: “Like many working within the ultra-luxury segment, I have admired the continued transformation of Aston Martin’s brand and products from afar and feel honoured to have the opportunity to work with Lawrence, the Board and the Company’s employees to lead its next chapter.

“The transformation of Aston Martin is one of the most exciting projects within the ultra-luxury automotive industry. I am looking forward to continuing the Company’s great momentum and utilising my experience and passion to further unleash this iconic brand’s potential and take it to even greater success.”

Chairman Lawrence Stroll, who boosted his stake in the luxury car manufacturer to 26.23% in September, had reportedly been contacting current and former bosses of other brands to see if they would be willing to take the helm.

Stroll thanked departing CEO Felisa, for two years of growth and development and for moving the brand closer to becoming “the world’s most desirable, ultra-luxury British performance brand”.

He said: “In Adrian Hallmark, we are attracting one of the highest calibre leaders not just in our segment, but in the entire global automotive industry. Complementing our world-class leadership, Adrian will bring to Aston Martin unrivalled experience in both the ultra-luxury and British manufacturing sectors to progress our strategy and continue recent momentum.”

Felisa said: “It has been a great privilege to serve as Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Officer, leading our iconic brand through this exciting era. I am incredibly proud of the progress made over the last two years, which has aligned Aston Martin for a positive future direction. I believe now is the right time to allow the Company to transition to new leadership.”