London, UK – Reported by Elite Traveler, the private jet lifestyle magazine
Elite motor giant Rolls-Royce has appointed Giles Taylor as the new Design Director. Taylor replaces Ian Cameron, who will be retiring from the design role and leaving the company in 2013. With a career spanning 20 years in the company, Cameron was a leading designer for several of the company’s classic models including the 3 Series model range, the Z8 and the Range Rover.
Perhaps Cameron’s greatest contribution to the company was the launch of their highly successful Phantom and Ghost family models, now signature models of the Rolls-Royce brand, of which he played an integral part.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “I would like to thank Ian Cameron for his contribution to the resurgence of the Rolls-Royce marque. 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.”
Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President of BMW Group Design, added, “On behalf of BMW Group Design, I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation for Ian’s years of leadership and contribution to the Rolls-Royce brand. His deep understanding of Rolls-Royce values and history has proven invaluable.”
Cameron will be spending his remaining time as a Brand Ambassador for Rolls-Royce when Giles Taylor takes the design reins. Cameron said: “I feel very privileged to have led the design team for the renaissance of this most prestigious company and I am delighted to continue my relationship with Rolls-Royce in my new role as Brand Ambassador.”
44-year-old Taylor has spent ten years as an executive designer in the British car industry as well as several international design roles. Before coming to Rolls-Royce, Taylor was acting as head of design for two model series at Jaguar, another iconic car company with a rich British heritage. He joined the Rolls-Royce design team in April 2011 as Head of Exterior Design and has a proven record within the company.
Müller-Ötvös said: “As [Cameron’s] 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.”
Van Hooydonk added: “Giles Taylor brings with him exceptional design skills and a comprehensive understanding of British values and heritage that are so crucial to Rolls-Royce; I have no doubt that he will successfully continue to develop the outstanding design ethos so successfully created by Ian Cameron and his team.”