On January 7, the native of Germany turned 59 years old (photo taken in 2017). Zilaff studied at the University of Munich and the Royal College of Art in London. Immediately after his studies, Stefan got a job at the VW Group, in which he devoted his entire career, but with a break for Daimler (2003–2006).
Several German media outlets, including Automobilwoche and Auto Motor und Sport, reported that Stefan Zilaff In December, he left the post of chief designer of Bentley, which he held since July 2015. The reason is simple: the Chinese from Geely invited Zilaff to take the place Peter Horbury, leaving for a well-deserved rest. This means that Stefan will be from Swedish Gothenburg (later from Shanghai) lead the stylists of Geely brands, Lynk & Co, Geometry, LEVC, Terrafugia, Proton and Lotus… Bentley reluctantly confirmed the specialist’s departure and promised to find a replacement in January.
Englishman Peter Horbury has been managing about a thousand Geely designers in Sweden, Great Britain, USA, China and other countries for ten years. But age makes itself felt: on January 27, Horbury will celebrate his 71st birthday. He will likely retain his role as mentor and consultant.
Observers view Zilaff’s move as an upgrade as Bentley recently lost independence, becoming a “daughter” of Audi, while the Chinese conglomerate has one of the largest portfolio in the automotive industry and is growing every day. Sales of Geely and Lynk & Co brands in 2020, despite the pandemic, reached 1,320,217 units, exceeding the annual target. The goal for 2021 is 1.53 million vehicles (+ 16%). Zilaff will start working at Geely in about three months after his vacation.
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