Aston Martin appoints former Ferrari innovation boss

Aston Martin has appointed Maximilian Szwaj – former Ferrari and Maserati head of innovation and body engineering – as its new chief technical officer.

The former Ferrari engineering executive spent nearly six years at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, but fills the currently empty seat of chief technical officer of Aston Martin, at the brand's headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire.

Aston boss Andy Palmer said” “I am delighted to welcome Max to the Aston Martin team. Max has a wealth of experience across Engineering and Product Delivery, his experience, skills and passion will make him a great leader for the Engineering team as we prepare the business for the next generation of Aston Martin products.”

Szwaj said: “I’m delighted to be joining Aston Martin at what is an exciting time for the brand.

“The company is at a significant point in its history, and I’m excited to play a part in developing a series of new cars and technologies that will reshape Aston Martin for the future.”

Szwaj – a graduate of Trinity College Dublin - jumps into the shoes of Ian Minards – Aston’s last product development director – who moved to the much-rumoured Dyson car project. Dyson remains secretive on the project, but is believed to be developing an electric vehicle of its own.

A similarly speculated car, the Apple car, has since been downgraded to a joint development of autonomous technologies, although a leaked hint at government investment in Dyson's development base to facilitate research into electric vehicle technology revealed the appliance maker's plans. 

Aston is currently developing its new family of models, which is spearheaded by its recently introduced Aston Martin DB11. A new Aston Martin Vantage, as well as an electric Aston Martin Rapide and a Aston Martin Lagonda saloon are all in the pipeline.