Bentley Motors’ user experience design chief has been moved up to take over the exterior design role with the departure of Domen Rucigaj to a new position in Volkswagen Group, the brand’s parent company.
In an Aug. 13 statement, Bentley announced the appointment of T.Jon Mayer as its new head of exterior design and design operations. Mayer will now lead company’s exterior design team, and take responsibility for its next generation luxury vehicles and oversee the transition towards electrification, starting with the Bentley Torcal.
Mayer will also continue as head of UX design and design operations, a role he took on when joining Bentley in 2024 and where he helped advance the integration of digital experience, craftsmanship and design innovation across the business, the company said.
Mayer graduated from Carnegie Mellon University before continuing his studies at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California.
This led to more than 20 years of international automotive design experience, 13 years of which at Volvo Cars, holding senior leadership positions including head of exterior design and head of design, Volvo Cars USA.
At Volvo, Mayer led the exterior design of vehicles including the EX60, EX30, S60, V60 and V60 Cross Country. He also helped shape Volvo's modern design language through the Concept Coupe family and contributed to one of the brand's most recognizable design signatures, the Thor's Hammer headlight, according to Bentley.
Reporting to Bentley’s director of design, Robin Page, Mayer will lead a multi-skilled 45-strong team.
“Bentley represents one of the most compelling luxury brands in the world, with an extraordinary heritage and an exciting future ahead,” said Mayer in a statement. “I’m honored to lead the exterior design team at such a pivotal moment for the company and look forward to helping shape the next chapter of Bentley design.”
