BMW is present process a major 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 realized extra in regards to the purpose for these adjustments.
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 status for crafting elegant, forward-thinking designs.
Having additionally labored with Volvo for a number of years, the 45 12 months outdated Austrian-born designer brings a wealth of expertise to his new function.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 might 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 Sequence, 2 Sequence, 3 Sequence, and crossovers such because the X1, X2, and X3. The corresponding Neue Klasse fashions may 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 automobiles: the brand new Cooper, Countryman and the-all new Aceman. Heilmer may even lead BMW M Design, the place he’ll collaborate intently 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 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 might be essential. Dukec, who was born in Frankfurt to a German-Croatian household, has a wealthy historical past with BMW, having steered the design path for each the BMW ‘i’ and ‘M’ divisions.
Moreover, Claudia Braun will lead a newly consolidated cross-brand division chargeable for Shade 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 function displays the growing significance of sustainable supplies and distinctive coloration selections in shaping a model’s identification.
Anders Warming To Lead BMW Group Superior Design and Designworks
In one other key improvement, Anders Warming, previously in command of Rolls-Royce design, will now give attention to 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 accountability for Mini’s design, whereas Christian Bauer continues to guide the cost in shaping the digital buyer expertise for BMW and its manufacturers.
Unique Insights From Adrian Van Hooydonk
Through the interview, Van Hooydonk informed us that the reorganization stems from the necessity to handle the sheer quantity of merchandise and to inject recent concepts throughout BMW’s design spectrum. Every design chief will deliver 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 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 guide 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 artistic future and to deal with 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 line with Van Hooydonk. What ought to we anticipate to see the brand new model design identification? “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 important change is the addition of Maximilian Missoni. BMW not often hires exterior candidates for the design management function, 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. 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.
