Dr. Bez is no more

[Jon39]

The CEO matter has a mention this week in Autocar.

If I can remember correctly;

Dr. Bez now also holds the role non exec. Chairman, succeeding David Richards, who stepped down last December.

A shortlist of industry executives was prepared, interviews were undertaken and CEO offers were made to two people.

It was reported that both then refused to accept the offers.

[whoami]

Who could blame them?

If Bez is to remain on the board as Chairman, then there will be constant interference and reference back to his own "strategy".

[mikey k]

whoami said:

Who could blame them?

If Bez is to remain on the board as Chairman, then there will be constant interference and reference back to his own "strategy".

That's fked it

Edited by mikey k on Saturday 8th March 17:21

[Aston Malcolm]

I totally agree. I met Dr. Bez during the centenary celebrations at Gaydon and he is a truly inspiring man. His vision and passion for Aston Martin was amazing. A great man who will be missed.

[Aston Malcolm]

I totally agree. I met Dr. Bez during the centenary celebrations at Gaydon and he is a truly inspiring man. His vision and passion for Aston Martin was amazing. A great man who will be missed.

[Cerbieherts]

mikey k said:

Bez DID NOT bring us the Gaydon era cars, that was put together by Ford before he joined!
Any way off he toddles with I'm sure a very nice settlement package
Welcome to who ever steps in, good luck and do us proud!

It was developed by Aston, not Ford. The platform used on the Gaydon era cars was developed in house at Newport pagnel by a small team (under Derrick Stone) in the shape of the Vanquish.

[Jon39]

Cerbieherts said:

It was developed by Aston, not Ford. The platform used on the Gaydon era cars was developed in house at
Newport Pagnell by a small team (under Derrick Stone) in the shape of the Vanquish.

Thank you for your historical clarification.

As the Ford ownership began in 1987, and the Vanquish introduction was 2001, would the Newport Pagnell team,
have been supported with technical advice from Ford. Design is complex enough, but how to manufacture must have
been very complicated.

I think the chassis structure (VH) was originally made by a sub-contractor company in Worcester, who also
made / make the Lotus Elise chassis.

Considering the complexity of the computerised chassis production process at Gaydon, when that
manufacturing was moved to Gaydon, presumably Ford (or at least their money) must have been involved at that stage.

Dr. Bez was appointed by Aston Martin in July 2000.

Edited by Jon39 on Saturday 8th March 18:29

[whoami]

mikey k said:

whoami said:

Who could blame them?

If Bez is to remain on the board as Chairman, then there will be constant interference and reference back to his own "strategy".

That's fked it

Edited by mikey k on Saturday 8th March 17:21

You've lost me.

[With these feet]

I am glad he came up with the N24. Kept me busy for the last 7 years!

Always came across as passionate towards his racing and the car along with his obsession with the Nurburgring.

At an awards evening Dave Richards suggested he join in at one of the GT4 rounds in the UK. Even though the Vantage racer was his baby he basically said "its not the Nurburgring so Im not interested, to the surprise of DR....

[Mr Aston Martin]

It seems the shareholders have been happy with Bez's performance for the last 14 years. Only Bez and the shareholders know the criteria and constraints he has faced and operated under.


Without doubt Bez has had a difficult and demanding role to fulfil, increasing emission and safety legislation , ageing platforms and strong competition all steered through the debt crisis. Most independent car manufacturers are now part of global manufacturing groups and have benefited from that position.

While some may disagree on Bez I would politely suggest they find some grace for a CEO who has performed to the shareholders satisfaction.


Edit for accuracy

Edited by Mr Aston Martin on Sunday 9th March 08:25

[Jon39]

Yes, I agree with you Martin.

I think though, you meant to say debt crisis.
Banking was just a part of the debt disease, which still continues now and is getting worse not better.

[yeti]

Mr Aston Martin said:

While some may disagree on Bez I would politely suggest they find some grace for a CEO who has performed to the shareholders satisfaction.

I would politely suggest you'll see none from me. Good riddance to an egomaniac.

[AF1977]

I have a DBS, very happy with it.

Previously I enjoyed Porsche, M3 and Ferrari etc.

If you consider that quality in AM is bad have a ride in a Ferrari, you might change idea.

No car is perfect.

That said, Mr B. made AM more global, more appealing to younger people, the brand needed to be refresh.

I agree with the observation about racing and the SUV plus Virage.

Now is time for the Italian and Mercedes, to me look interesting.

If they manage to turn around Ducati.....