BMW is present process a big reorganization of its design division, bringing in new expertise and restructuring its management underneath the steerage of Adrian van Hooydonk, the present Head of Design. In a current unique interview with Van Hooydonk we’ve discovered extra concerning the cause for these modifications.
Polestar’s Missoni and MINI’s Heilmer To Co-Lead BMW Design
One of the vital 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 not too long ago acquired by BMW. Missoni, recognized for his work with Polestar, the Swedish electrical automobile model, comes with a repute 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Having additionally labored with Volvo for a number of years, the 45 yr outdated Austrian-born designer brings a wealth of expertise to his new position. His household’s heritage traces again to Italy. The day-to-day design actions at ALPINA shall be managed by Alex Innes, former head of Rolls-Royce Coachbuilding, guaranteeing 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 accountability for BMW’s entry-level fashions: 1 Collection, 2 Collection, 3 Collection, and crossovers such because the X1, X2, and X3. The corresponding Neue Klasse fashions can 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 can even lead BMW M Design, the place he’ll collaborate carefully with Michael Scully, the not too long ago 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 be seeing a shake-up. Domagoj Dukec, the present head of BMW’s core design studio, is about 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 shall be essential. Dukec, who was born in Frankfurt to a German-Croatian household, has a wealthy historical past with BMW, having steered the design route for each the BMW ‘i’ and ‘M’ divisions.
Moreover, Claudia Braun will lead a newly consolidated cross-brand division accountable for Colour and Materials Design throughout BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce. Braun has already confirmed her experience, having managed these elements for BMW since 2024. Her expanded position displays the growing significance of sustainable supplies and distinctive coloration decisions in shaping a model’s id.
Anders Warming To Lead BMW Group Superior Design and Designworks
In one other key growth, Anders Warming, previously accountable for Rolls-Royce design, will now give attention to Superior Design subjects and the BMW Group Designworks subsidiary. His oversight of futuristic ideas and improvements will seemingly 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 accountability 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
Throughout the interview, Van Hooydonk instructed 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, guaranteeing 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 position way back, in search of a brand new problem within the realm of ultra-luxury automobiles. His deep connection to BMW and fervour for bespoke design make him the right match to steer Rolls-Royce into a brand new period of refinement, innovation and electro-mobility.
Van Hooydonk acknowledges that the reorganization might sound uncommon nevertheless it’s essential to reshape the BMW design artistic future and to deal with the huge obligations of a single design boss. As van Hooydonk put it, “Expertise and buyer preferences are altering sooner than ever.”
Every new design boss will select his administration crew, based on 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 not often hires exterior candidates for the design management position, with the earlier exterior rent, Jozef Kaban, having a short 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 just a few conferences, he was impressed by the synergies between them.
“He’s an awesome match for the corporate, and I’m excited to see what he brings to the desk,” van Hooydonk shared. Nonetheless, don’t anticipate Polestar-inspired designs—Missoni is predicted to uphold BMW’s legacy and DNA, whereas his expertise in luxurious and minimalist design will naturally affect future merchandise.
