Peter Schäfer, CEO of Porsche Engineering, is planning to retire after a 20-year career at the technology service provider during which he played a key role in shaping its strategic direction and growth.
During Schäfer’s tenure, he worked to position the engineering consultancy as a technology partner for the development of intelligent and connected vehicles, opened new locations in Timișoara, Romania and Beijing, China. The growth has been reflected in the employee numbers of the group, which have increased from 1,200 in 2019, to 1,700 today.
Schäfer will leave Porsche Engineering on 31st May 2023 and head into retirement, succeeded by Markus-Christian Eberl. Eberl has been with Porsche for 23 years and is currently VP of technical conformity in the R&D department. Prior to that, he held various positions in the internal auditing and engine Development departments, with management status since 2014. Before joining Porsche in 2000, Eberl gained experience in the field of engineering services with a focus on software development.
“I am very pleased that we have been able to bring in Markus-Christian Eberl as the new Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche Engineering,” stated Michael Steiner, member of the executive board for research and development at Porsche AG and chairman of the shareholder’s committee of Porsche Engineering. “He has proven technical expertise, is excellently networked, and knows modern development processes inside out. He therefore has the ideal qualifications for this challenging task.
“Porsche Engineering combines comprehensive vehicle know-how with digital and software expertise. I am convinced that Markus-Christian Eberl will provide important impulses for the targeted development of Porsche Engineering at this crucial interface,” he added.
Another major change to the board is that, effective from 1st January 2023, Dirk Philipp has joined the executive board of Porsche Engineering, as managing director of commerce/chief operating officer (CFO/COO). Philipp has been director of finance and administration at Porsche Engineering since 2011, and has held various positions in the Porsche Group since 1995, including as director of finance controlling of development at Porsche.
“Dirk Philipp has played a key role in shaping the internationalisation of the company in recent years,” stated Steiner. “The integration of the Nardò Technical Center and the establishment of new locations in Romania, the Czech Republic, and China have contributed to a large extent to the positioning of Porsche Engineering as an innovative technology partner to the international automotive industry.”
