- Dr Michael Steiner leaves Porsche board in May 2027.
- Jörg Bartels, 52, joins from Mercedes-Benz AG.
- Steiner spent almost 25 years at Porsche.
- Board R&D role held since 2016.
Dr Michael Steiner (62) will leave the Executive Board of Porsche AG in May 2027, almost 25 years after joining the sports car manufacturer. He has served as Member of the Executive Board, Research and Development, since 2016, based at the Weissach Development Center, and as Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board since 2025.
His successor, Jörg Bartels (52), moves across from Mercedes-Benz AG, where he is currently responsible for the global development of all powertrain systems. Bartels will shape and implement the Sportwagenschmiede ’35 strategy for the Research and Development division. Porsche presented that strategy at its Capital Markets Day a few weeks ago, and Steiner was closely involved in developing it.
Michael Steiner career at Porsche
After studying mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Munich and earning a doctorate in engineering, Steiner started at Mercedes-Benz AG in 1995. He joined Porsche in 2002 as Head of Innovations, Concepts & CAE, took over the Panamera model line in 2005 and became responsible for Complete Vehicle Development and Quality in 2011. From 2022 to 2025 he was also Head of Group Research and Development at the Volkswagen Group.
During his time on the board, the engineer shaped the 991 and 992 generations of the 911 and guided the market launch of the Taycan, Porsche’s first all-electric production vehicle with 800-volt architecture. Later work included Porsche Active Ride in the Panamera and the T-Hybrid powertrain in the 911 Carrera GTS and 911 Turbo S.
Le Mans and Formula E results
On track, Porsche took the LMP1 triple in 2017 for the third consecutive year, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans plus the manufacturers’ and drivers’ titles in the FIA World Endurance Championship. The company also entered Formula E and won both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ world championship titles.
Dr Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, said Steiner’s understanding of technology “was also instrumental in carrying the core of the Porsche brand into the era of electric mobility.”
Jörg Bartels background and handover
Bartels has more than 26 years of experience in the automotive industry and has worked in vehicle development for over two decades, from individual components to full vehicle platforms and product lines. He previously served as President and CEO of Beijing Benz Automotive Co. (BBAC) in China and has led development organisations in Europe and Asia.
Dr Michael Leiters, Chairman of the Executive Board, said he and Steiner prepared the transition together and “will organize the handover to his successor in close coordination.” Steiner remains in his post until May 2027.
Supplied by Newspress UK (Porsche)
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