A process wherein, in a series of reforming zones, employing one or a series of reactors, each of which contains a bed, or beds of catalyst, the catalyst in the rearward most reforming zones is constituted of supported platinum and a relatively high concentration of rhenium, and the catalyst in the forward most reforming zone is constituted of platinum, or platinum and a relatively low concentration of a promoter metal, especially rhenium. In the rearward reaction zones, at least 40 percent, and preferably from 40 percent to about 90 percent, based on the total weight of catalyst in the reactor, or reactors of the unit, is constituted of a rhenium promoted platinum catalyst, the weight ratio of rhenium:platinum of which at least about 1.5:1, and preferably 2:1, or greater. The beds of catalyst are contacted at start-of-run temperatures ranging from about 875.degree. F. to about 935.degree. F. with a hydrocarbon or naphtha feed, and hydrogen, at reforming conditions to produce a hydrocarbon, or naphtha product of improved octane, and the product is withdrawn.