Müller-Ötvös to retire from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Nov.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös is set to retire as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on November 30.

In a statement, the ultra-luxury automotive manufacturer shared that Müller-Ötvös — its longest-serving chief executive since Claude Johnson — signed up with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in 2010.

“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,” the outgoing CEO said.

BMW Group Chief Executive Oliver Zipse shared that Müller-Ötvös helped steer Rolls-Royce to reach its status today.

Rolls-Royce noted that it was under Müller-Ötvös' watch that the brand “has been transformed from an automotive manufacturer to a true luxury house” which, in turn, led to commercial success.

As of 2022, annual sales have reached 6,000 units as compared to the 1,000 vehicles released in 2009. Notably, every example rolling out of the Global Center of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence in Goodwood, West Sussex being bespoke.

It was also during Müller-Ötvös’ leadership when Rolls-Royce unveiled the Wraith, Dawn, Cullinan (the brand first sport utility vehicle), and Spectre electric vehicle.

Further, Rolls Royce was able to also lower the age average of its customer base to 43 years old from 56 in 2010.

Moreover, Müller-Ötvös allowed the company to embrace new technologies to meet the buyer’s preference — bringing the brand to them physically in the form of new private office boutiques or virtually with Whispers app (a digital members’ club reserved for those who own a Goodwood-era Rolls-Royce).

“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,” Müller-Ötvös stated.

“As I leave Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, I look forward to the opportunity for new professional challenges, as well as having a little more time to visit the world’s great fly-fishing rivers! 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,” he added.

The retiring CEO will be succeeded by Chris Brownridge, who is currently the BMW United Kingdom chief executive since 2021.

“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,” Zipse noted.

A sales and marketing expert, Brownridge 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.

 “I’m both honored and humbled by my new appointment. 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. It’s a tribute to its magnificent products, the close relationships it maintains with its clients and, above all, to the exceptional team I’m about to join. I’m also conscious of the incredible heritage of which we are the proud custodians, and that everything we do builds on and adds to that unique legacy,” Brownridge claimed.

“I’m fortunate to be following Torsten as CEO. Through his vision and ambition for the brand over 14 years, Rolls-Royce is today in an exceptionally strong position, and full of confidence for the future. I’m absolutely delighted to be part of the Rolls Royce story and look forward to embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for us all,” he ended.

Photos from Rolls-Royce

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