Industria
ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF TORSTEN MÜLLER-ÖTVÖS, CEO
Commenting on the announcement, Torsten said,
Oliver Zipse , BMW Group Chief Executive, said,
Under Torsten's leadership, Rolls-Royce has been transformed from an automotive manufacturer to a true luxury house, revered worldwide for its exquisite motor cars, unparalleled Bespoke capabilities and deep understanding of the needs, tastes and desires of its international clients.
That transformation has translated into a remarkable commercial success. Annual sales have surged from around 1,000 motor cars in 2009 to over 6,000 in 2022. More importantly, each and every Rolls-Royce that leaves the company's Global Centre of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence in Goodwood, West Sussex , is Bespoke: it has been made to the specific wishes of the client who has commissioned it.
Through this constant focus on Bespoke, which is realised through the finest handcraftsmanship coupled with artistic and technical creativity and innovation, Rolls-Royce is undoubtedly a leader in the luxury sector. During Torsten's tenure, the marque has produced some of its most historic one-of-one motor cars, including several co-created with the world's leading artists, fashion designers and luxury houses. Bespoke finds its ultimate expression in the company's Coachbuild department, which reawakened traditional coachbuilding practices for a new era in 2017, most recently seen in the remarkable Droptail, unveiled in August.
When Torsten took up his appointment, Goodwood 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. Torsten also saw Black Badge, the edgier, more subversive Rolls-Royce alter-ego, conceived and launched – a bold venture that has broadened the brand's appeal significantly.
The introduction of new models to the Rolls-Royce product portfolio, the expansion of Bespoke and the clear strategic shift into the super-luxury sector have been driving factors in the company's renaissance and ongoing business success, attracting a new generation of clients to the marque. 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.
The marque's rejuvenation is part of a wide reshaping of the luxury industry over the past decade. Torsten's leadership has centred on a willingness to not only participate in this change but to lead it, embracing new technologies and thinking based on the marque's unique understanding of its clients' tastes and desires. This is demonstrated in how Rolls-Royce brings the brand directly to its clients around the world, both physically in the form of new Private Office boutiques, and virtually with the marque's Whispers app – a digital members' club reserved for those who own a Goodwood-era Rolls-Royce.
Torsten said,
The success of Rolls-Royce under Torsten's leadership is such that the company now contributes over half a billion pounds to the UK economy every year. It is also one of the largest employers in West Sussex : the exceptional team working at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood has grown from around 300 to more than 2,500, with over 50 nationalities represented.
Further commenting on today's announcement, Torsten said,
Chris Brownridge joins Rolls-Royce Motor Cars from his current role as Chief Executive Officer of BMW UK, a position he has held since 2021. Commenting on his appointment, Oliver Zipse said, "
Chris is a true sales and marketing expert, having 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 .
Chris said
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rolls-royce-motor-cars-announces-retirement-of-torsten-muller-otvos-ceo-301948668.html