Recently, Bentley announced significant management changes involving two of its senior executives to enhance the company's expertise and strengthen its global brand.
Management Changes at Bentley
The management changes included the appointment of Dr. Karen Lange as a member of the Human Resources Board, reporting to Adrian Hallmark, the Chairman and CEO of Bentley. She succeeds Dr. Astrid Fontaine, who left the company after more than three years to join Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles as a member of its Human Resources Board on September 1.
Background of Dr. Karen Lange
Dr. Karen Lange previously taught at the University of Hanover and the Industrial Relations Institute at the University of California, Berkeley, before joining the Volkswagen Group in 2002.
Previous Positions
- Held multiple managerial roles within the Human Resources department at the Volkswagen Group.
- Appointed Head of Human Resources for the Volkswagen joint venture (Northvolt Zwei GmbH & Co.) in Salzgitter, Germany, in 2020.
Astrid Fontaine's Role at Bentley
Dr. Astrid Fontaine became the first member of the Board for People, Digitalization, and Information Technology at Bentley in January 2018, coming from Porsche North America, where she served as Vice President of Human Resources, Culture, and Innovation.
Achievements of Dr. Astrid Fontaine
Since joining Bentley, Astrid led the development of a new digital strategy that encompassed a variety of digital service experiences. Her team also drove the transformation of business processes and customer solutions.
Transformations During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Astrid introduced the company's first digital technology vocational training program and assisted in leading the crisis management team at Bentley, including the rapid implementation of remote working solutions, effectively steering the company through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Comments from Adrian Hallmark
Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and CEO of Bentley, commented on the management changes, stating: “I am pleased to welcome Dr. Karen Lange to the team. Her extensive experience of nearly 20 years at the Volkswagen Group will be incredibly beneficial to us, especially as we continue to transform and develop the organization on our journey towards electrifying our vehicles.”
He added, "I would also like to thank Dr. Astrid Fontaine on behalf of everyone she worked with for her significant contributions to Bentley and our Beyond 100 strategy. She has made a lasting impression on the entire team, and we will miss her greatly."
