Durheimer succeeds Paefgen at Bentley, Bugatti

Porsche R&D chief Wolfgang Durheimer has been named the new head of Bentley and Bugatti to replace Franz-Josef Paefgen, who is retiring.

Durheimer, 52, also becomes head of motorsports for the Volkswagen Group, beginning in February.

Paefgen, 64, has lead Bentley since 2002 and Bugatti since 2007. He will be a consultant to the VW board of management after his retirement.

Prior to running Bentley and Bugatti, Paefgen was head of the Audi brand and president of Lamborghini. He joined the Volkswagen Group in 1980.

Durheimer joined Porsche in 1999 to manage the 911 program. He had worked for BMW. Since 2001, Durheimer was in charge of Porsche's R&D program.

Wolfgang Hatz, 51, will replace Durheimer at Porsche. Hatz has been in charge of powertrain development for the Volkswagen Group since 2007. His background includes helping to develop the Formula One engine at Porsche, serving as technical director at Opel and being head of powertrain development at Fiat.

By Michelle Koueiter