Porsche will appoint former Mercedes-Benz executive Jörg Bartels as its new head of Research and Development in May 2027, succeeding Michael Steiner, who is leaving the sports car manufacturer after more than 20 years with the company.
The leadership transition was announced by Porsche as it prepares to reshape its development operations under a broader corporate strategy focused on cost reduction, shorter development cycles and a revised powertrain approach.
Steiner, 62, has led Porsche’s development activities for more than a decade and currently serves as deputy chairman of the executive board. He will hand over his board-level responsibility to Bartels in May 2027.
Bartels Brings Powertrain and China Experience
Bartels, 52, joins Porsche from Mercedes-Benz, where he is responsible for global powertrain system development. His previous positions include managing the Beijing Benz Automotive joint venture in China.
Porsche CEO Michael Leiters highlighted Bartels’ experience in vehicle development and organisational transformation, saying the incoming executive would play a significant role in realigning the company’s Research and Development division.
The appointment brings experience across conventional and electrified powertrain technologies, as well as knowledge of the Chinese automotive market, into Porsche’s development leadership.
Development Costs and Timelines Under Review
The management change comes as Porsche implements extensive restructuring measures. Under its new corporate strategy, Sportwagenschmiede ’35, the company intends to simplify organisational structures and reduce operating costs.
According to Manager Magazin, Porsche aims to lower development costs by 20% and shorten development times by 40%.
These targets come as the manufacturer reassesses its vehicle and technology plans in response to changing market conditions. Rather than concentrating primarily on battery-electric models, Porsche intends to pursue a broader powertrain mix covering internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles.
The company must also address weaker demand in China, where its sales have fallen substantially from previous levels. Porsche sold more than 90,000 vehicles annually in the market at its peak, while analysts expect deliveries of approximately 25,000 units in 2026.
Steiner’s Legacy Includes the Taycan
Steiner played a central role in shaping Porsche’s development strategy over many years. One of the defining projects during his tenure was the introduction of the Taycan, the brand’s first series-production all-electric model.
Porsche Upgrades Electric Macan With 22 kW AC Charging and New Standard Equipment
Supervisory Board Chairman Wolfgang Porsche acknowledged Steiner’s contribution to the company’s transition towards electric mobility.
Bartels will inherit responsibility for Porsche’s technology direction at a time when the manufacturer is balancing electrification with continued investment in combustion-engine and hybrid models. His specific priorities for implementing the revised strategy have not yet been disclosed.