Porsche will replace its long-serving research and development chief with Mercedes-Benz powertrain executive Jörg Bartels, effective May 2027.
Dr Michael Steiner, 62, departs the Executive Board after nearly 25 years at Porsche. He joined the board in 2016, became Deputy Chairman in 2025, and oversaw development of the 911's 991 and 992 generations, the 800V Taycan, and the T-Hybrid powertrain. Between 2022 and 2025, he also headed research and development for the Volkswagen Group.
Bartels, 52, currently runs global powertrain development at Mercedes-Benz and previously led its Beijing Benz Automotive joint venture in China. Chief Executive Michael Leiters said Bartels will continue Porsche's R&D realignment while executing the Sportwagenschmiede '35 strategy that Steiner helped develop.
Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, praised Steiner's tenure, stating his work was "instrumental in carrying the core of the Porsche brand into the era of electric mobility" and credited him with "numerous brand-defining innovations" and race track victories.
Porsche's choice of an outsider with powertrain and China experience signals the company wants fresh perspective on engineering strategy.