Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös to retire

BMW Group has named Christopher Brownridge, the head of BMW U.K., as CEO of Rolls-Royce, succeeding Torsten Muller-Otvos, who is retiring after 14 years leading the ultraluxury automaker.

Brownridge will take over on Dec. 1, Rolls-Royce said in a statement. He has led BMW’s U.K. operations since 2021 following a series of management positions at the automaker’s British and Irish operations. Brownridge joined BMW as a graduate in 1995.

Müller-Ötvös, 63, has led Rolls-Royce since 2010. He has overseen the launch of Rolls-Royce’s first electric car, the Sceptre coupe, as well as boosting annual sales from around 1,000 in 2009 to over 6,000 in 2022. In that time Rolls-Royce also launched the Cullinan SUV, which is now the brand’s biggest seller.

BMW does not break out Rolls-Royce profits but Müller-Ötvös has previously told Automotive News Europe that the brand’s consistent cash generation in recent years was “something the BMW Group is very proud about.”

BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse praised Müller-Ötvös for his work at Rolls-Royce.

“Rolls-Royce is a jewel in the crown of our organization," Zipse said. "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.”

Müller-Ötvös said Thursday in a post on LinkedIn that leading Rolls-Royce “has been the greatest privilege and pleasure of my professional life.”

“I believe the company is ready to embrace the future with all its opportunities,” he said, noting that Rolls-Royce is planning to expand its Goodwood, England, site to meet demand for electric vehicle production and the company’s Bespoke and Coachbuild customization programs.

Müller-Ötvös, a graduate of the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich and the University of Augsburg, started his career at BMW in 1996 as a market research vice president. In 2000 he became director of the Mini brand as it was being relaunched. In 2004 Muller-Otvos was named senior vice president central marketing and brand management, and in 2008 he became head of product management and after sales. 

BMW Group also announced other management changes on Thursday.

Markus Flasch, now head of product line midsize and luxury class at BMW and Rolls-Royce, will become head of BMW motorcycles. He will be replaced by Nicolai Martin, current head of driving experience at BMW Group.

Martin will be succeeded by Mihiar Ayoubi, now head of development at Rolls-Royce. And Bernd Körber, head of product management for BMW brand, will also become head of brand management at BMW. The current head of BMW brand management, Jens Thiemer, is leaving the company, BMW said.