Chris Brownridge, currently the head of BMW UK, is set to take the helm as the CEO of Rolls-Royce starting on the 1st of December. This transition marks the retirement of the incumbent CEO, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, who has led the company for a remarkable 14 years. This significant leadership change was officially announced by the BMW Group, the parent company of Rolls-Royce.

Brownridge’s journey within the BMW Group has been a testament to his dedication and expertise. He began his career as a management trainee in 1995, steadily climbing the ranks over the years. His notable roles include a stint as the head of Mini in the UK between 2013 and 2018, and in July 2021, he assumed the position of CEO for BMW in the UK.

In contrast, Müller-Ötvös has been steering the ship at Rolls-Royce since 2010, overseeing a transformative era for the iconic luxury auto maker. During his tenure, he orchestrated a remarkable expansion, elevating the annual production from a mere one thousand cars to an impressive six thousand cars per year. Furthermore, under his visionary leadership, Rolls-Royce ventured into the realm of electric vehicles, culminating in the creation of the remarkable Spectre, the brand’s first electric offering. The BMW Group, to which Rolls-Royce belongs, consistently reports a small yet consistent profit for Rolls-Royce, reaffirming the brand’s enduring status and appeal.

Although specific financial details regarding Rolls-Royce’s profits are not publicly disclosed by BMW, Müller-Ötvös previously expressed to Automotive News Europe that the brand’s consistent cash flow in recent years is a source of great pride for the BMW Group. Rolls-Royce’s allure continues to be grounded in its embodiment of luxury and status, a legacy that both Chris Brownridge and his predecessor have played pivotal roles in maintaining and advancing.