Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announces the retirement of CEO Torsten Müller-Otbosch

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced that brand CEO Torsten Müller-Otbosch will retire from his position on November 30, 2023. Chris Brownridge, CEO of BMW UK, has been appointed as Torsten’s successor, and is scheduled to officially begin work from December 1, 2023.

CEO Torsten Müller-Otbosch joined Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in 2010 and served as the longest-serving CEO since Cloud Johnson, who arranged a meeting between founders Charles Rolls and Henry Royce in 1904 and was in charge of Rolls-Royce management. Rolls-Royce has transformed into a true luxury house through exquisitely crafted automobiles, an unrivaled bespoke program, and a deep understanding of the needs, tastes, and desires of customers around the world.

These changes led to surprising success. Annual sales volume increased more than sixfold, from about 1,000 units in 2009 to more than 6,000 units in 2022. Above all, Rolls-Royce has established itself as a leader in the luxury industry through its Bespoke program, which implements the best craftsmanship combined with artistic and technical creativity and innovation.

In particular, during Torsten’s tenure, Rolls-Royce produced some of the most historic automobiles in collaboration with the world’s leading artists, fashion designers and luxury houses. In 2017, the coachbuilding department became independent and the ultimate bespoke work was introduced through traditional coachbuilding methods, and the drop tail was unveiled last August.

In addition, various new models were also announced. The Rolls-Royce Wraith and Dawn were born, and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the first SUV in the brand’s history, was also launched. This year, the world’s first ultra-luxury electric super coupe, Specter, is scheduled to be launched, signaling a shift in the brand’s electrified product portfolio.

The introduction of new models, expansion of the Bespoke program and a strategic shift into the super luxury segment have been the driving forces behind Rolls-Royce’s success, attracting a new generation of customers to the brand. The average price of a Rolls-Royce has doubled from about 250,000 euros in 2010 to about 500,000 euros recently, and the average age of customers has fallen from 56 to 43.

Chris Brownridge, who will be appointed as Torsten’s successor, will join Rolls-Royce from BMW UK, where he has served as CEO since 2021. Chris is a marketing and sales expert who has worked at the BMW Group for approximately 30 years. Prior to taking on the position of CEO of BMW UK, he served as BMW UK Sales Director, BMW UK Marketing and MINI Regional Director for the UK and Ireland since 2011.

Torsten Müller-Otbosch, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, “It has been my greatest privilege and joy to lead Rolls-Royce Motor Cars over the past 14 years and grow the brand to the pinnacle of the luxury industry.” He added, “The newly appointed Chris Brownridge is a talented and innovative team of people. “We will continue to embellish the special story of Rolls-Royce.”

Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the BMW Group, said, “Torsten’s outstanding leadership, dedication, clear vision and outstanding ability to lead a team were the driving forces that made Rolls-Royce the world-class luxury brand it is today,” adding, “Chris Brownridge, appointed as the new CEO, is an outstanding person. “As an expert with track record and abundant experience, I am confident that he will lead Rolls-Royce Motor Cars into a purely electric future,” he said.

In addition, Chris Brownridge, Torsten’s successor and current CEO of BMW UK, said, “It is an honor to be appointed as the new leader of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, the world’s most recognized, desirable and influential brand.” He added, “I am proud of Rolls-Royce.” “We are very excited to be part of the brand’s story based on its rich heritage, and we will do our best to take on the endless challenges and opportunities for the future.”