Dr. Michael Steiner, a fixture on Porsche's executive board for research and development over the past decade and a key figure behind the manufacturer's motorsport efforts, will depart from his role in May 2027, Porsche announced.
Steiner, 62, is leaving three years before reaching Porsche's standard retirement age. He will be succeeded by Joerg Bartles, 52, who arrives from Mercedes-Benz to take over the position. Porsche has not given a specific reason for Steiner's departure.
The timing coincides with the rollout of Porsche's new long-term strategy, dubbed "Sportwagenschmiede '35," a plan Steiner reportedly helped shape closely alongside company leadership before his exit.
Steiner's history with Porsche spans 25 years. He joined the company as head of innovations, concepts and CAE, simultaneously serving as chief representative at Porsche Engineering Group GmbH. He later led the Panamera model line before overseeing complete vehicle development and quality starting in 2011. He joined the executive board in 2016 and was elevated to deputy chairman last year.
Beyond his work on production vehicles, Steiner was a consistent champion of Porsche's racing ambitions, lending support to programs including the Porsche 919 Hybrid, which delivered multiple victories, and the more recent Porsche 963 effort run through Porsche Penske Motorsport.
Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, chairman of the Porsche AG supervisory board, praised Steiner's legacy, saying he "embodies Weissach and its significance for Porsche like no one else," crediting him with both brand-defining innovations and numerous race wins. Porsche added that Steiner's technical depth helped guide the brand into the electric era, thanking him for his contributions and wishing him well.
Porsche AG CEO Dr. Michael Leiters echoed that sentiment, noting Steiner's knack for translating motorsport technology into road cars throughout his tenure. Leiters said the two worked closely on the Sportwagenschmiede '35 strategy and had jointly planned the leadership transition, with Steiner expected to help coordinate the handover to Bartles.
Leiters also expressed enthusiasm about working with Bartles, citing his broad international background in vehicle development and transformation, and said the incoming board member would continue pushing forward research and development changes already underway at the company.
No further details on Steiner's future plans were disclosed in the announcement.
Source: Sportscar365
If you missed it: Porsche Operating Profit Up Despite Lower Deliveries
