The magazine states that an Aston Martin spokesperson declined to comment on this rumor, but a new boss is expected to be put in place this summer, giving that person time to work with Bez during the transition period. Bez joined Aston Martin as CEO in July 2000, when the company was owned by the Ford Motor Company as part of the Premier Automotive Group, and stayed in this position after the brand's sale to a group of investors led by Prodrive boss David Richards. During his tenure, Bez has been credited with pushing the DB7 to success, as well as spearheading the launch of the current, modern Aston Martin range.