Aston Martin design chief Marek Reichman has been recognized for his remarkable career and innovative work by receiving the 2024 Sturmey Award from Autocar. Reichman has led the creation of over 50 Aston Martin and Lagonda models in his 19-year tenure, a feat unmatched in the marque’s 111-year history. One of the key reasons for this recognition is Reichman’s unwavering commitment to progress and innovation, even under the leadership of five different Aston Martin CEOs with diverse styles and priorities.
When Reichman joined Aston Martin, the company had a limited model range, consisting of the DB9 and V8 Vantage sports cars. However, under his guidance, the model range has more than doubled, and Aston Martin has ventured into new product types that were previously unfamiliar to the brand. Reichman’s boldness in opening up new markets and his determination to inject Aston Martins with performance and capability have transformed the brand’s image. The introduction of the rule-breaking DBX SUV, which now accounts for 50% of Aston Martin sales, has been instrumental in carrying the brand’s values forward.
Reichman’s focus on design quality has also played a significant role in Aston Martin’s success. The company’s current models are now regarded with the same admiration as other luxury marques like Bentley, Ferrari, and Lamborghini. Reichman believes that producing beautiful, powerful, and characterful designs is crucial for Aston Martin’s financial rebuild.
Reichman’s journey to Aston Martin was not a conventional one. After completing design studies at Teesside University and a master’s degree at the Royal College of Art, he joined Rover’s design studio before moving to BMW’s Designworks in California. It was during his time at BMW that he caught the attention of Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin’s CEO at the time. Bez saw the potential in Reichman and convinced him to join Aston Martin, recognizing the impact he could have on the brand’s future.
Under Bez’s leadership, Reichman played a pivotal role in improving Aston Martin’s range and capabilities. They developed the VH chassis plan, which dramatically enhanced the brand’s vehicles. Additionally, they established a new headquarters at Gaydon, near Warwick, to provide a more suitable operating environment for Aston Martin. The partnership between Bez and Reichman resulted in significant model expansions and the creation of Aston Martin’s iconic One-77, which is regarded as one of the brand’s greatest cars.
Reichman has worked alongside various Aston Martin CEOs throughout his career, each bringing their own unique perspectives and management styles. He had a positive working relationship with Andy Palmer, who was responsible for planning seven new cars over seven years. However, Palmer’s tenure ended after Aston Martin’s stock market flotation, and he was succeeded by Tobias Moers. Despite the changes in leadership, Reichman remains optimistic about the future under Adrian Hallmark, the former Bentley boss who will be taking over as CEO.
Looking ahead, Reichman sees potential for Aston Martin to fill a gap between a sports coupé and the DBX SUV. He envisions a vehicle that is taller than the Bentley Continental GT but not a saloon, with four doors and a shorter wheelbase. Reichman believes that whatever Aston Martin designs in the future, it will undoubtedly be powerful, as there is a natural tendency for manufacturers to showcase their horsepower capabilities.
In conclusion, Marek Reichman’s innovative and progressive approach to design has played a crucial role in Aston Martin’s success and transformation. His ability to adapt to different leadership styles and guide Aston Martin through various challenges has solidified his reputation as a visionary in the automotive industry. With each new model and design, Reichman continues to push the boundaries of what Aston Martin can achieve and cement its position among the world’s top luxury car brands.