BENTLEY Motors, part of Volkswagen Group, has appointed former Audi manager Andreas Lehe as its new board member for manufacturing, commencing September 1 2023.

Mr Lehe, who will report directly to Bentley chair and CEO Adrian Hallmark, joins from Audi where he most recently held the role of head of strategic planning.

In that role he was responsible for the continuous development of Audi’s production strategy, digitisation of production and logistics as well as the associated global production network.

He has also held several senior roles across Audi Mexico and is well known for having delivered one of the most successful start-ups of a modern paint shop in the Volkswagen Group.

Bentley said that this wealth of production and commercial experience is crucial as Mr Lehe joins the company at one of the most pivotal times in the luxury marque’s history.

Working closely with the Bentley manufacturing team, Mr Lehe will continue the creation of Bentley’s ‘Dream Factory’ and deliver what promises to be a world-leading, digital-first and low environmental impact manufacturing facility.

Mr Lehe described his Bentley appointment as “a hugely exciting new chapter in my career”.

“The team has truly transformed the organisation, and their ground-breaking Beyond100 strategy is the boldest plan in the luxury automotive sector.

“I look forward to meeting my colleagues and continuing this success on the journey to full electrification.”

Mr Lehe succeeds Peter Bosch, who moved to Volkswagen Group’s automotive software company CARIAD in June as its CEO.

By Neil Dowling