How Marek Reichman's Vision Will Transform Aston Martin Design Forever - Inside the Mind of a Design Genius
The illustrious career of Aston Martin's design chief, Marek Reichman, is nothing short of spectacular. Over 19 years, he has masterminded more than 50 Aston Martin and Lagonda models, creating a legacy that has earned him the 2024 Sturmey Award for innovation from Autocar. It’s an honor well-deserved for a man whose work is synonymous with groundbreaking designs that have steered the brand through five different CEOs, each with their unique styles and emphases.
A Storied Career
The narrative of Marek Reichman’s journey with Aston Martin begins with two respectable but conservative sports models: the DB9 and V8 Vantage. However, Reichman had bigger dreams. He more than doubled the model range and introduced a plethora of high-end special editions. His efforts transformed the design department into a more versatile and robust entity, opening up the brand to much-needed new product types.
One of his most revolutionary moves was the creation of the DBX SUV. This audacious leap into the unknown proved to be a game-changer, capturing 50% of Aston Martin’s sales just four years after its launch. Such success catapulted the DBX to the same realm as icons like Porsche's Cayenne, affirming that deviating from old-school values could be immensely rewarding.
Pushing Boundaries
The secret sauce behind Reichman’s consistent innovation lies in his philosophy: