US EditionPorsche Poaches New Design Boss From McLaren
Tobias Sühlmann takes over Porsche's design leadership on Feb 1, 2026, bringing experience from McLaren, Aston Martin, and Volkswagen to refresh the brand's design direction.
- On February 1, 2026, Porsche appointed Tobias Sühlmann as head of design, replacing Michael Mauer, who led design for more than 21 years.
- In a statement about strategy, Porsche said the move fits a strategic realignment and Michael Mauer said now is a good time to bring new perspectives, while Michael Leiters said Sühlmann can build on a unique design philosophy.
- Among Sühlmann's credits are the McLaren 750S and Artura Spider, plus roles at Aston Martin and Volkswagen including Bugatti and Bentley, while Michael Mauer led design of the Porsche 911 997, 991 and 992 generations, Boxster, Cayman and Cayenne, plus new models like Panamera and Taycan.
- The company said Michael Mauer will support Tobias Sühlmann's arrival as he transitions into the role, and Porsche CEO Michael Leiters said `Michael Mauer shaped an era at Porsche`, ensuring continuity in Porsche visual identity.
- Industrywide, design chiefs are moving as Porsche framed the appointment of Tobias Sühlmann within Porsche design strategy to balance durability with fresh impulses amid changes at Mercedes‑Benz and Jaguar Land Rover.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Porsche is facing a change. Michael Leiters is focusing on renewal with a change in design manager. Tobias Sühlmann follows on the wall.
Just in office, the new Porsche CEO Michael Leiters sets a first personal accent. From corporate circles it is clear that the decision for Leiters was a question of the future.
With Tobias Sühlmann, Porsche ventures a generational change in design. Major technical changes also pose their challenges to sustainable design, especially for sports cars. The 46-year-old is an ideal bridge builder. The article New Porsche Design Director: Tobias Sühlmann and the fight for the shape of the future first appeared on ingenieur.de - Jobbörse und Nachrichtenportal für Ingenieure.
As early as February, Tobias Suhlmann will take the lead in Porsche's design, succeeding Michael Mauer. By recruiting a designer from Bugatti, Aston Martin and McLaren, the German brand clearly wants to go up in the range. A smooth transition is planned, Mauer remains to ensure the continuity of home DNA during this pivotal period. The end of the Mauer era at Porsche There are more comfortable chairs than others in the automotive industry. Porsc…
Mauer joined Porsche in 2004 as the fourth head of design in the company's history, following the footsteps of Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, Anatol Lapine and Harm Lagaay. Michael Leiters, Porsche's new CEO, shares a few words about Maure: "Michael Mauer shaped an era in Porsche", "His work has shaped the Porsche brand style and will remain visible in the future." Mauer will support Sühlmann during a transition period. In a statement, he said: "T…
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