Mercedes-AMG just poached the man who built Porsche’s flagship EV to lead its performance division.
Why it matters: Stefan Weckbach will oversee AMG’s electric transition, including a new GT sedan designed to compete directly against the Taycan he created.
The Details
- Mercedes-Benz announced Dr. Stefan Weckbach will become AMG CEO on July 1, 2026, replacing Michael Schiebe.
- Weckbach will also lead the Top End Vehicle Group, overseeing Maybach ultra-luxury models and G-Class SUVs.
- He spent 15 years at Porsche (2008-2023), leading development of the Taycan from the Mission E concept in 2015 to production in 2020.
- Since 2023, Weckbach served as Volkswagen Group’s head of corporate strategy, advising CEO Oliver Blume and advancing the Rivian partnership.
- Schiebe will run AMG on an interim basis until July while assuming his new board role overseeing production, quality, and supply chain.
Weckbach’s Track Record
- Porsche Taycan: Led development from concept to production (2016-2021)
- Porsche Cayenne: Oversaw the SUV lineup, including early electric Cayenne work
- Mission X: Headed the all-electric 918 Spyder successor project (now delayed indefinitely)
- VW Group Strategy: Chief strategist since 2023, instrumental in Rivian investment
- Education: PhD dissertation on financial stress in companies
What Weckbach Inherits at AMG
- AMG GT XX: All-electric four-door sedan launching 2026, targeting the Taycan
- Electric SUV: High-performance AMG.EA platform SUV rivaling Porsche Cayenne Electric
- C63 Problem: Four-cylinder hybrid version facing weak sales and heavy discounts
- New V8: Next-generation combustion engine expected 2028
- G-Class Cabriolet: Low-volume convertible arriving before his start date
EVXL’s Take
This hire tells you everything about where German luxury performance is headed. Mercedes didn’t just recruit an EV expert. It recruited the man who defined what a premium electric sports car should be. Weckbach’s first major test will be the 2,000-horsepower AMG GT electric sedan we covered in May, a vehicle explicitly designed to dethrone the Taycan he spent five years perfecting at Porsche.
The timing is no accident. Weckbach was passed over for the Porsche CEO job in October when the board chose Michael Leiters instead. He left VW Group in November. Now he lands at Mercedes with a mandate to beat his former employer at its own game. For AMG, this is a bet that institutional knowledge of premium EV development matters more than brand loyalty. For Porsche, it is a painful reminder that talent follows opportunity, not heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Stefan Weckbach start at Mercedes-AMG?
Weckbach officially becomes AMG CEO on July 1, 2026. Michael Schiebe will continue running AMG on an interim basis until then.
What vehicles will Weckbach oversee?
He will lead all AMG performance vehicles, plus Maybach ultra-luxury models and the entire G-Class lineup as head of the Top End Vehicle Group.
Why did Weckbach leave Volkswagen Group?
Weckbach departed in November 2024 after being passed over for the Porsche CEO position in October. The board selected former McLaren chief Michael Leiters instead.
