Stuttgart-based leading German automaker Porsche has appointed Wolfgang Hatz to its board of management.

As from February 1, 2011, Hatz will be heading the research and development division, in addition to his current function as head of engines and transmissions development for the Volkswagen Group.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, Porsche’s outgoing head of development, will take over as chairman of the executive board of Bentley Motors, as well as becoming the president and chief executive officer of Bugatti. In addition, he will assume the function of motorsport director for the Volkswagen Group.

Matthias Müller, chairman of the executive board of Porsche AG, acknowledged the outstanding commitment shown by Dürheimer over the past ten years.

“A number of new models and model series spurring the international success and growth of the sports car manufacturer were created under his leadership,” said Müller.

“Cayenne, Panamera and the RS Spyder racing car all bear the unmistakable hallmark of Wolfgang Dürheimer, and are a testament to his outstanding expertise in the field of intelligent and efficient sports car development.”

“Wolfgang Hatz has many years of experience with Volkswagen, and all the credentials needed to strengthen the position of Weissach as a competence centre for sports car development,” he added.

Wolfgang Hatz was engaged as an engineer and project leader in engine development at BMW and at BMW Motorsport from 1983 until 1989. He joined Porsche in 1989 and was, among other functions, involved in the development of the Formula 1 engine. – TradeArabia News Service