The BMW Group is completely reorganizing its Design division under the leadership of Adrian van Hooydonk. Like the NEUE KLASSE, which represents the redefinition of the BMW brand with its “electric, digital, circular” philosophy, a new cross-brand design team will be launched on October 1, 2024, to meet changing demands for future-oriented vehicle design.
“Technology and customer preferences are currently changing faster than ever,” says van Hooydonk. “Automotive design has become more diverse. Designing digital experiences and sound also plays an increasingly important role, along with sustainable and recycled materials. The design showcases all the innovative potential of our products and brands,” “That’s why, more than ever, every single detail matters, as well as the holistic and harmonious integration of the various elements.”
The new organization, focused on the transformation of the company, will remain the industry benchmark. For example, Color and Material Design will be consolidated across all brands, while the BMW brand team will be divided into two studios, and the future topic of “Advanced Design” strengthened. “I am delighted to continue driving the design and further development of our vehicles and brands forward, together with a first-class team of highly qualified design professionals.” van Hooydonk continues.
Van Hooydonk is bringing Maximilian Missoni into the BMW Group Design team to oversee the design of upper mid-size and luxury class BMW models and BMW Alpina. After holding various managerial positions at Volkswagen and Volvo Cars, Missoni was most recently Head of Design at Polestar.
Oliver Heilmer, previously Head of MINI Design, will be responsible for the design of all compact and mid-size BMW models going forward, as well as BMW M.
Claudia Braun will head the newly-created cross-brand department for Colour and Material Design for BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. She has already been managing color and materials for the BMW brand since April 2024, bringing experience from Porsche AG, Daimler AG, and Volvo Cars.
Domagoj Dukec, formerly Head of the BMW Design Studio, will now assume responsibility for Rolls-Royce Design, including Bespoke and Coachbuild.
Anders Warming, previously Head of Design Rolls-Royce, will oversee all Advanced Design topics, and the BMW Group Designworks subsidiary.
Holger Hampf, Head of BMW Group Designworks, will now be in charge of design for the MINI brand.
Christian Bauer will continue to lead the digital customer experience into a new era across all brands.
Learn more about the new team members in the full press release here.
Tags: BMW Designworks
