Rolls-Royce has appointed Giles Taylor as its new design director. The 44-year-old Briton will replace Ian Cameron, who will retire from the role he has held since 1999 on 1 July.
Taylor has spent the past ten years as an executive designer in the British car industry, acting as head of design for two model series at Jaguar. He joined the Rolls-Royce design team in April 2011 as Head of Exterior Design. In his new role he’ll report to Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW Group’s senior vice president for design.
Cameron joined BMW Group in 1992 and held leading design roles for several models, including the BMW 3-series model range, the Z8 and the Range Rover. In 1999 he was appointed to lead the new Rolls‑Royce design team, resulting in the launch of Phantom in 2003 and all subsequent Phantom and Ghost models.
Rolls-Royce boss Torsten Müller-Ötvös hailed Cameron’s input: “His legendary design capabilities combined with his passion for the company’s distinguished heritage have made him an integral part of the success of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars since the brand was acquired by the BMW Group.
“As his successor, Giles Taylor has a deep knowledge of emotive brands in the luxury segment and a proven track record, and is the perfect choice to lead the Rolls-Royce design team to future success.”
Although Cameron is retiring from his design role, he will take up a job as brand ambassador with the BMW Group Classic department.
Join the debate
Add your comment
He worked at Jaguar on two
He worked at Jaguar on two model series, but it doesnt say which, what if it was the X and S-Types, not exactly Jaguars finest hour.
Not really, the Rolls Royce
Not really, the Rolls Royce and Range Rover are bricks on wheels.
Matt Burt
That's quite a dazzling design record. The new man has a high standard to maintain/improve upon.