Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos to retire, succeeded by Chris Brownridge

After more than a decade at the helm, Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos has announced his retirement, marking the end of his impressive tenure. During his leadership, Muller-Otvos has achieved significant milestones for the brand, including record-breaking sales and the introduction of the first all-electric Rolls-Royce vehicle, the Spectre.

Muller-Otvos, who assumed the role in 2010, is now the second-longest-serving CEO in Rolls-Royce’s history, following Claude Johnson, who played a pivotal role in the brand’s early years. Under Muller-Otvos’ guidance, Rolls-Royce witnessed a remarkable increase in sales, with numbers rising from around 1,000 vehicles per year in 2009 to 6,000 in 2022.

Moreover, Muller-Otvos’ leadership saw the brand’s expansion into the production of bespoke vehicles, collaborating with the fashion industry and entertainers to create unique, one-of-a-kind motor cars. The CEO’s efforts also led to a reduction in the average age of Rolls-Royce customers and a doubling of the average vehicle price. Over the years, the average cost of a Rolls-Royce vehicle increased from approximately €250,000 ($262,982 USD) in 2010 to around €500,000 ($525,965 USD), while the average customer age decreased from 56 to 43.

Perhaps Muller-Otvos’ most lasting legacy will be Rolls-Royce’s entry into the electric vehicle market with the Spectre, the brand’s first-ever all-electric car. This move represents a significant step toward a silent yet powerful future for the luxury automaker.

As Torsten Muller-Otvos prepares to leave Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, he expressed his excitement about new professional challenges and the prospect of having more time to explore the world’s great fly-fishing rivers.

Taking the reins from Muller-Otvos is Chris Brownridge, who has served as the CEO of BMW U.K. since 2021. With nearly 30 years of experience at BMW, Brownridge has held key positions, including sales director of BMW U.K. and marketing director for BMW and Mini U.K. Brownridge will assume his role as CEO of Rolls-Royce on December 1, 2023, and is enthusiastic about leading the iconic British brand into its next chapter.