Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos today announced that he will step down from his role as the chief executive officer for the brand, and will take a well-earned next step into retirement. His shoes will be filled by Chris Brownridge, who currently acts as BMW U.K.’s CEO.
Having taken the helm in 2010, Muller-Otvos has become the second-longest serving CEO of the Rolls-Royce brand since Claude Johnson, who introduced Charles Rolls to Henry Royce in 1904. In his time with the company, Muller-Otvos’ leadership has seen sales rise from roughly 1,000 vehicles per year in 2009, to 6,000 in 2022.
In addition to selling more vehicles than ever, Rolls-Royce is also producing more bespoke vehicles than ever. Working with the fashion industry and with entertainers, the brand says it has produced some of its “most historic one-of-one motor cars” under Muller-Otvos’ leadership.
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His tenure also saw the brand lower the average age of its customers, and double the average price of its vehicles. In 2010, the average Roller cost around €250,000 ($262,982 USD at current exchange rates), and now it costs around €500,000 ($525,965 USD). At the same time, the average age of its customers shrank from 56 years of age to 43.
Muller-Otvos’ most lasting contribution to the brand will likely be the Spectre, Rolls-Royce’s first-ever all-electric vehicle. Leading the luxury automaker into a silent, powerful future, the car could mark the start of something big.
“I believe the company is ready to embrace the future with all its opportunities,” said Muller-Otvos. “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!”
Leading the charge into the future will be Chris Brownridge, the CEO of BMW UK since 2021, who has been with the automaker for almost 30 years. During that time, he has acted as the sales director of BMW UK, as well as the marketing director for BMW and Mini UK.
“To be invited to lead this great British brand, at such a pivotal moment in its long and remarkable story, is an extraordinary privilege,” said Brownridge. “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.”
Brownridge will take over as CEO on December 1, 2023.
