Porsche names new motorsports chief for North America

Jens Walther has been named president and CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America, the automaker said Friday.

Walther, 41, will take over for Paul Ritchie, who has retired.

Walther managed Porsche’s One-Make Cup program before his appointment. The program comprises 19 national and international race series. Its premier race series is the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, which is a support series for Formula One.

Walther joined Porsche in 2001 and worked in the Porsche Engineering Group before managing Porsche’s race series.

Based in Santa Ana, Calif., Porsche Motorsport North America sells race cars and parts and builds engines for teams that race Porsche cars.

By Brad Constant