Aston Martin Taps Former Ferrari Exec as Chief Tech Officer

Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. has hired Maximilian Szwaj, a former Ferrari and Maserati executive, as its chief technical officer.

Szwaj will lead Aston Martin's global engineering operations and will be based at the carmaker's headquarters in Gaydon, England. He replaces Ian Minards, who left Aston Martin in September to join home appliance firm Dyson Ltd., which is said to be developing an electric vehicle.

Szwaj was the head of innovation and body engineering at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s Ferrari and Maserati performance brands. During his 25-year career, Swaj also held management positions at BMW and Porsche.

Aston Martin is in the middle of updating its lineup. The effort started with the DB11 that replaced the DB9 coupe earlier this year. The carmaker also plans an electric RapideE model and a Lagonda sedan. The company also is developing its first crossover/SUV, which is expected to hit the streets in 2020.