BMW's Rolls-Royce said today CEO Torsten Mueller-Otvos would retire on 30 November 2023, succeeded by Chris Brownridge, currently BMW UK CEO.

Torsten joined the automaker in 2010, and is its longest-serving CEO since Claude Johnson, who brought Charles Rolls and Henry Royce together in 1904.

Oliver Zipse, BMW Group chief executive, 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.”

Annual sales have surged from around 1,000 cars in 2009 to over 6,000 in 2022.

When Torsten took up his appointment, the UK factory in Goodwood produced just Phantom and Ghost. On his watch, the Wraith and Dawn were introduced, as was the Cullinan, the brand's first SUV. The upcoming Spectre is the brand's first electric model.

In 2010, the average price of a Rolls-Royce was around EUR250,000 and the average client aged 56; today, the price has doubled to around EUR500,000 and the average age is down to 43.

The Goodwood workforce has grown from 300 to 2,500 with over 50 nationalities represented.