• Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced the retirement of its CEO, Torsten Müller-Ötvös
• Müller-Ötvös is the longest-serving CEO since Claude Johnson, known as ‘the hyphen in Rolls-Royce’
• During his 14-year tenure, Rolls-Royce transitioned from an automotive manufacturer to a luxury house
• Sales increased sixfold under his leadership, bringing significant economic benefits to the UK
• He introduced the first all-electric Rolls-Royce and paved the way for a fully electric future by 2030
• Leaves the brand in a strong market position with expansion plans for the headquarters at Goodwood
• Chris Brownridge, currently CEO of BMW UK, will succeed Müller-Ötvös on December 1, 2023

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced the retirement of Torsten Müller-Ötvös as its Chief Executive Officer on November 30, 2023. He will be succeeded by Chris Brownridge, the current CEO of BMW UK.

Müller-Ötvös joined Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in 2010, making him the company’s longest-serving CEO since Claude Johnson, who was known as ‘the hyphen in Rolls-Royce’.

In a statement, 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. I am proud of the role my exceptional team and I have played in contributing significantly to the UK economy and to the global recognition of Britain’s ability to produce the world’s best luxury products.”

Oliver Zipse, CEO of BMW Group, praised Müller-Ötvös’ leadership, commitment, and vision, stating, “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. We wish him the very best for his future endeavors.”

Under Müller-Ötvös’ leadership, Rolls-Royce transformed from an automotive manufacturer to a true luxury house, renowned worldwide for its exceptional motor cars, bespoke capabilities, and deep understanding of its international clients.

This transformation resulted in remarkable commercial success, with annual sales increasing from around 1,000 motor cars in 2009 to over 6,000 in 2022. Every Rolls-Royce that leaves the company’s Global Centre of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence in Goodwood is bespoke, tailored to the specific preferences of the client.

During Müller-Ötvös’ tenure, Rolls-Royce created historic one-of-one motor cars, collaborating with leading artists, fashion designers, and luxury houses. The company’s Coachbuild department revived traditional coachbuilding practices, seen in the recent unveiling of the Droptail in August.

Müller-Ötvös introduced new models to the Rolls-Royce portfolio, including Wraith, Dawn, and Cullinan, the marque’s first SUV. The company’s transition to a fully electric product portfolio by 2030 began with the introduction of Spectre, an ultra-luxury electric super coupe. The edgier and more subversive Black Badge variant also broadened the brand’s appeal.

The rejuvenation of Rolls-Royce attracted a new generation of clients to the marque, with the average price of a Rolls-Royce doubling to around €500,000 and the average client age decreasing to 43.

Müller-Ötvös embraced new technologies and thinking, adapting to the changing luxury industry. Rolls-Royce engaged directly with clients worldwide through new Private Office boutiques and the Whispers app, a digital members’ club for Goodwood-era Rolls-Royce owners.

Rolls-Royce’s success under Müller-Ötvös’ leadership has contributed over half a billion pounds to the UK economy annually and created employment opportunities, with over 2,500 employees representing more than 50 nationalities at the Goodwood site.

Müller-Ötvös expressed his confidence in the company’s future and its plans for further electric production, bespoke products, and coachbuilding. Celebrating his time at Rolls-Royce, he mentioned his excitement for new professional challenges and his passions outside of work, such as fly-fishing.

Chris Brownridge, the current CEO of BMW UK, will assume the CEO position at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Brownridge, a sales and marketing expert, has been with the BMW Group for almost 30 years, and his appointment is expected to guide Rolls-Royce into its all-electric future.

Reflecting on his new appointment, Brownridge said, “To be invited to lead this great British brand, at such a pivotal moment in its long and remarkable story, is an extraordinary privilege. Rolls-Royce is one of the world’s most recognized, desirable, and influential brands, and I’m keenly aware of the enormous affection and esteem in which it’s held.”