Rolls-Royce Taps Industry Veteran for Top Design Post

Rolls-Royce names Giles Taylor as its design director effective July 1, succeeding Ian Cameron, who retires from the role he has held since 1999.

Taylor, 44, has spent 10 years as an executive designer in the U.K. auto 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.

Cameron joined BMW in 1992 and held leading design roles for several models, including the 3-Series range, Z8 and Range Rover. In 1999, he was named to lead the new Rolls-Royce design team, resulting in the 2003 launch of the Phantom and all subsequent Phantom and Ghost family models.

Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös says Cameron contributed to the resurgence of the storied 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,” he says in a statement.

Müller-Ötvös says Taylor’s knowledge of emotive brands in the luxury segment and his proven track record make him the perfect choice to lead the Rolls-Royce design team to future success.