BMW is present process a big reorganization of its design division, bringing in new expertise and restructuring its management below the steerage of Adrian van Hooydonk, the present Head of Design. In a current unique interview with Van Hooydonk we’ve realized extra concerning the motive for these modifications.
Polestar’s Missoni and MINI’s Heilmer To Co-Lead BMW Design
One 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 just lately acquired by BMW. Missoni, recognized for his work with Polestar, the Swedish electrical automobile model, comes with a popularity for crafting elegant, forward-thinking designs.
Having additionally labored with Volvo for a number of years, the 45 12 months previous 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 will likely be managed by Alex Innes, former head of Rolls-Royce Coachbuilding, guaranteeing the sleek 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 below 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 just 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 will likely 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 answerable 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 colour 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 answerable for Rolls-Royce design, will now deal with Superior Design subjects and the BMW Group Designworks subsidiary. His oversight of futuristic ideas and improvements will probably 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
Throughout 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, looking for a brand new problem within the realm of ultra-luxury autos. 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 artistic future and to sort out the huge duties of a single design boss. As van Hooydonk put it, “Know-how and buyer preferences are altering quicker than ever.”
Every new design boss will select his administration group, in keeping with Van Hooydonk. What ought to we count on 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 excellent match for the corporate, and I’m excited to see what he brings to the desk,” van Hooydonk shared. Nonetheless, don’t count on 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.
