Rolls-Royce's Müller-Ötvös to hand over reins to BMW's UK chief

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’s Torsten Müller-Ötvös is to retire as its chief executive in November to be succeeded by BMW UK chief Chris Brownridge.

Müller-Ötvös joined Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in 2010, making him the company’s longest-serving chief executive since Claude Johnson, the man who brought Charles Rolls and Henry Royce together in 1904.

Commenting on the announcement, Müller-Ötvös said, “Leading Rolls-Royce for almost 14 years has been the greatest privilege and pleasure of my professional life. To have grown the company and its world-class people to the position it is in today, at the pinnacle of the luxury industry, has been a remarkable adventure.”

Oliver Zipse, BMW group chief executive, said: “Torsten’s outstanding leadership, unswerving commitment, clear vision and exceptional ability to build a strong, focused team have helped make Rolls-Royce the world-class luxury brand it is today.”

Under Müller-Ötvös’ leadership, Rolls-Royce has been transformed from an automotive manufacturer to a true luxury house with unparalleled bespoke capabilities and deep understanding of the needs, tastes and desires of its international clients.

Annual sales have surged from around 1,000 motor cars in 2009 to over 6,000 in 2022. Each and every Rolls-Royce that leaves the company’s global centre of luxury manufacturing excellence.

When Müller-Ötvös took up his appointment, the car maker’s Goodwood facility produced just two models, Phantom and Ghost. Under his leadership, Rolls-Royce Wraith and Dawn were introduced, as was Rolls‑Royce Cullinan, the first SUV in the marque’s history.

This year sees the introduction of Spectre, the world’s first ultra-luxury electric super coupé that begins the marque’s transition to a fully electric product portfolio by the end of 2030. Müller-Ötvös also saw the edgier Black Badge conceived and launched.

In 2010, the average price of a Rolls-Royce was around €250,000 and the average client was aged 56; today, the average price has doubled to around €500,000 and the average age of a Rolls-Royce client is just 43.

Müller-Ötvös said, “I believe the company is ready to embrace the future with all its opportunities. We have recently submitted our plans to extend our Goodwood site significantly in order to accommodate not only further electric production, but also to fulfil demand for even more Bespoke and Coachbuild products. These areas of our business truly set us apart, and I am exceptionally proud of them.

“I wish Chris Brownridge the very best as he takes the helm of this wonderful marque. The team we have built over the last 14 years includes some of the most talented, dedicated and innovative minds in the luxury and automotive industries. I’m confident that, together, they will add further remarkable chapters to the extraordinary story of a company like no other in the world.”

His successor Chris Brownridge has spent almost 30 years with the BMW Group, starting as a graduate in 1995. Prior to his current position of CEO, Chris has been a member of the UK Board in various roles since 2011, including sales director BMW UK, BMW UK marketing and MINI regional director for UK and Ireland.