German departs after transforming Rolls-Royce into industry powerhouse; to be replaced by Chris Brownridge.
Rolls-Royce has announced the retirement of its distinguished CEO of the past 14 years, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, describing his period in charge as “a transformation” and “a remarkable commercial success”.
Since his arrival in 2010, Müller-Ötvös has presided over a rise in annual Rolls-Royce sales from around 1000 to more than 6000, yet a big expansion in export markets at the same time, plus the growth of this former specialist automotive manufacturer into “a true luxury house”, has meant Rollers have become arguably more exclusive than ever.
The German leaves the British company as its longest serving chief executive since Claude Johnson, the man who brought Charles Rolls and Henry Royce together in 1904.
When Müller-Ötvös arrived, Rolls-Royce was making just two models, the Phantom and Ghost. He has since introduced Wraith and Dawn, as well as the rule-breaking Cullinan SUV. He has also built a hugely successful Bespoke business. But perhaps his biggest achievement has been this year’s launch of the electric Rolls-Royce Spectre, marking the beginning of a complete transformation for the marque to all-electric power by 2030.
“Leading Rolls-Royce for almost 14 years has been the greatest privilege and pleasure of my professional life,” said Müller-Ötvös. “To have grown the company and its world-class people to the position it’s in today, at the pinnacle of the luxury industry, has been a remarkable adventure.”
Autocar was first to interview Müller-Ötvös, a former BMW ‘lifer’, in his new role at Rolls-Royce, describing him as “the man with the shiniest shoes in England”. Over 14 years, he has maintained his high sartorial standards while winning the devotion of an ever-expanding workforce at the company’s Goodwood headquarters – soon to expand further – as well as the respect of customers worldwide and winning a reputation for calm leadership, accessibility and modesty.
His replacement is to be Chris Brownridge, currently CEO of BMW UK. He will take over in December.