Dive Brief:
- Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös will retire on Nov. 30, the automaker said Thursday.
- Chris Brownridge, the current CEO of BMW UK, will replace him on Dec. 1, 2023.
- The automaker’s new CEO will implement Rolls-Royce’s plan to sell electric vehicles exclusively by 2030.
Dive Insight:
Müller-Ötvös has served as Rolls-Royce’s CEO since 2010. Under his leadership, the luxury automaker’s sales grew from about 1,000 vehicles in 2009 to more than 6,000 in 2022.
After Müller-Ötvös took the helm, Rolls-Royce introduced three new models, including the Cullinan, the automaker’s first SUV. It plans to start deliveries of its first EV, the Spectre coupe, later this year.
“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,” Müller-Ötvös said in a statement.
Brownridge has been the CEO of BMW UK since 2021. He joined the BMW Group in 1995, serving in several marketing and sales roles, including sales director for BMW UK and Mini’s regional director for the U.K. and Ireland.
“Chris Brownridge is a hugely experienced professional with a tremendous track record – I am sure he will build on Rolls-Royce’s success and guide Rolls-Royce Motor Cars onwards into its all-electric future,” BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse said in a statement.
