BMW is present process a major reorganization of its design division, bringing in new expertise and restructuring its management underneath the steering of Adrian van Hooydonk, the present Head of Design. In a latest unique interview with Van Hooydonk we’ve realized extra in regards to the purpose for these adjustments.
Polestar’s Missoni and MINI’s Heilmer To Co-Lead BMW Design
Some of the notable additions to the BMW Group is Maximilian Missoni, who will take cost of design for the higher mid-size, luxury-class fashions, and ALPINA, a model lately acquired by BMW. Missoni, recognized for his work with Polestar, the Swedish electrical automobile model, comes with a status for crafting elegant, forward-thinking designs.
Having additionally labored with Volvo for a number of years, the 45 yr outdated Austrian-born designer brings a wealth of expertise to his new function. His household’s heritage traces again to Italy. The day-to-day design actions at ALPINA can be managed by Alex Innes, former head of Rolls-Royce Coachbuilding, making certain the graceful integration of this prestigious model into BMW’s wider portfolio.
In the meantime, Oliver Heilmer, who has led MINI’s design since 2017, will now tackle the duty for BMW’s entry-level fashions: 1 Sequence, 2 Sequence, 3 Sequence, and crossovers such because the X1, X2, and X3. The corresponding Neue Klasse fashions will even fall underneath his management. A Munich native recognized for his pleasant and approachable nature, Heilmer’s time at MINI created a brand new household of vehicles: the brand new Cooper, Countryman and the-all new Aceman. Heilmer will even lead BMW M Design, the place he’ll collaborate intently with Michael Scully, the lately appointed head of M Design, who will report on to him.
Domagoj Dukec Takes Over Rolls-Royce Design
Rolls-Royce, the epitome of British luxurious, can also be seeing a shake-up. Domagoj Dukec, the present head of BMW’s core design studio, is ready to take over design management for Rolls-Royce. This shift comes because the model continues to push the boundaries of bespoke and coachbuild choices, an space the place Dukec’s consideration to element and deep understanding of automotive luxurious can be essential. Dukec, who was born in Frankfurt to a German-Croatian household, has a wealthy historical past with BMW, having steered the design course for each the BMW ‘i’ and ‘M’ divisions.
Moreover, Claudia Braun will lead a newly consolidated cross-brand division chargeable for Coloration and Materials Design throughout BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce. Braun has already confirmed her experience, having managed these facets for BMW since 2024. Her expanded function displays the growing significance of sustainable supplies and distinctive shade selections in shaping a model’s id.
Anders Warming To Lead BMW Group Superior Design and Designworks
In one other key growth, Anders Warming, previously answerable for Rolls-Royce design, will now deal with Superior Design matters and the BMW Group Designworks subsidiary. His oversight of futuristic ideas and improvements will possible push BMW’s design language into new, uncharted territory.
Holger Hampf – The New MINI Design Boss
Holger Hampf, beforehand on the helm of BMW Group Designworks, will assume duty for Mini’s design, whereas Christian Bauer continues to steer the cost in shaping the digital buyer expertise for BMW and its manufacturers.
Unique Insights From Adrian Van Hooydonk
In the course of the interview, Van Hooydonk advised us that the reorganization stems from the necessity to handle the sheer quantity of merchandise and to inject contemporary concepts throughout BMW’s design spectrum. Every design chief will carry distinctive views to their portfolios, making certain variety in each design and performance. Moreover, Domagoj Dukec, who has guided the design of BMW’s core lineup for years, requested the Rolls-Royce function way back, searching for a brand new problem within the realm of ultra-luxury automobiles. His deep connection to BMW and fervour for bespoke design make him the proper match to steer Rolls-Royce into a brand new period of refinement, innovation and electro-mobility.
Van Hooydonk acknowledges that the reorganization may appear uncommon nevertheless it’s essential to reshape the BMW design inventive future and to sort out the huge tasks of a single design boss. As van Hooydonk put it, “Know-how and buyer preferences are altering sooner than ever.”
Every new design boss will select his administration workforce, in response to Van Hooydonk. What ought to we anticipate to see the brand new model design id? “Subsequent merchandise influenced by Oliver and Max will come after 2029,” Van Hooydonk says. “The present product portfolio has already been finalized.”
Essentially the most vital change is the addition of Maximilian Missoni. BMW hardly ever hires exterior candidates for the design management function, with the earlier exterior rent, Jozef Kaban, having a quick tenure. Reportedly, cultural match performed a task in that departure. Missoni, nevertheless, was particularly pursued by Adrian van Hooydonk after resigning from Polestar this previous August. Van Hooydonk talked about that after a couple of conferences, he was impressed by the synergies between them.
“He’s an excellent match for the corporate, and I’m excited to see what he brings to the desk,” van Hooydonk shared. Nevertheless, don’t anticipate Polestar-inspired designs—Missoni is anticipated to uphold BMW’s legacy and DNA, whereas his expertise in luxurious and minimalist design will naturally affect future merchandise.
