Frank-Steffen Walliser will replace the retiring August Achleitner as Head of the 911 Model Series after almost two decades in charge of Porsche’s icon…
Walliser To Replace Achleitner
Last month we interviewed August Achleitner (above left), Head of the 911 Model Series, about the new 911 – the 992 – in Los Angeles. At the time 63-year-old Achleitner was philosophical about the 992 being the last new 911 on which he would work as he approaches retirement age. We also spent time with Head of Motorsport and GT Road Vehicles, Frank-Steffen Walliser (above right). Shortly after meeting the pair it was announced that 49-year-old German, Walliser, will replace Achleitner as the Head of the 911 – one of the most important job roles at Porsche. Since 2016 Achleitner has also been in charge of the 718 models. The handover of responsibility for both 911 and 718s between the two men will take place in the first quarter of 2019.
Achleitner started his career at Porsche in 1983, working on chassis development having trained as a mechanical engineer. He then led the Technical Product Development, Vehicle Concepts, and Package department between 1989 and 2000, before taking over responsibility for the 911 model series in 2001.
Walliser was overall project manager for the 918 Spyder in 2010 before taking on responsibility for Porsche Motorsport in 2014, as well as becoming Head of Development for the GT road vehicles based on the 911, a role he will retain going forward. Fritz Enzinger replaces Walliser as Head of Motorsport. “The radiance of the 911 always fascinated me – its unique form and the concept. I have always been driven by the aim of preserving those aspects while nonetheless making everything better – and that approach has challenged me time and again,” Achleitner said. Achleitner’s semi-retirement will enable him to dedicate more time to his family and hobbies – but there’s no danger that the petrol head will be taking things slowly, as well as driving 911s, he enjoys motorbiking, mountain biking and skiing.
