Bentley Motors' popular chief executive and chairman Adrian Hallmark is quitting the Crewe-based luxury carmaker to take a new role steering its British supercar rival Aston Martin.

After six years at Bentley, Hallmark will join Aston Martin as its chief executive no later than October 1, 2024. Until then Amedeo Felisa, appointed two years ago, will continue as CEO, overseeing the introduction of Aston Martin's upcoming products, including the launch of its third next-generation sports car later this year, which will round out its new front-engine car line-up alongside the successful launches of the DB12 and Vantage models.

Hallmark has more than 25 years of senior automotive leadership experience gained in the USA, Europe, and Asia, including roles at Bentley, Porsche, and Volkswagen.

In February 2018 Hallmark took on the leadership of Bentley Motors amid difficult business conditions, and oversaw the launch of new luxury models and set the strategic goal of making Bentley the most sustainable luxury brand by 2030.  He said: “Bentley has had a great influence on me. To redefine luxury mobility for the future with such a strong brand is a task that I took on with full commitment and great pleasure. The time has now come for me to turn to new challenges. I would like to express warm thanks to the entire Bentley team for all that we have achieved together in the last few years.“

He added: "Like many working within the ultra-luxury segment, I have admired the continued transformation of Aston Martin’s brand and products from afar."

Hallmark is looking forward to working with Aston's board and 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," he said.

Lawrence Stroll, executive chairman of Aston Martin, said: “When Amedeo was appointed CEO, I spoke of him leading a new phase of growth and development. Two years on, we have delivered on that promise, as we near completion of our thrilling new product portfolio and move closer to our vision of becoming the world’s most desirable, ultra-luxury British performance brand.

“I’d like to personally pay tribute to Amedeo, recognising not just what he has achieved at Aston Martin but throughout his long and distinguished career at the very top of the ultra-luxury automotive industry. I am pleased that Amedeo will remain in post until Adrian joins and will continue to oversee the launch of our upcoming products, with our breathtaking line-up of new front engine sports cars a fitting legacy to his time leading the company and its product strategy. We look forward to celebrating Amedeo’s contribution to Aston Martin’s recent success before wishing him the very best.

“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 thanked the board and workforce for their support, and added: "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."

Bentley said it will appoint a new CEO in due course.

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