Porsche Announces Leadership Change

Porsche announced Tuesday that Hartmut Kristen will step down as head of Porsche Motorsport after a 20-year stint with the German manufacturer’s racing activities.

Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, the project manager for the Porsche 918 Spyder, will take Kristen’s place beginning on Oct. 1.

Kristen, who joined Porsche in 1983, was an instrumental figure in the success of the RS Spyder, which won three consecutive LMP2 manufacturers championships in the American Le Mans Series.

He also led efforts with the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid, as well as Porsche’s recently ramped up factory GT programs in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.

In his new role, Kristen will work alongside the research and development board in an advisory role.

Walliser, who holds a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering, held the position of general manager of Porsche’s motorsport strategies from 2003 to 2008. He will remain project manager of the 918 Spyder project.

Fritz Enzinger, meanwhile, will continue to serve as the head of Porsche’s LMP1 program.