Currently reading: Mini hires Designworks boss Oliver Heilmer as new lead designer

Heilmer will take the creative helm of Mini from September

Mini has announced that Designworks boss Oliver Heilmer will take over as its head of design from 1 September.

The 42-year-old German will move from his lead role at BMW's creative design division after a year at the helm. Prior to this, he was the boss of BMW’s interior design team in Munich.

Heilmer arrives at Mini at a turning point in the brand’s future, as it looks to grow its electrified range and implement more futuristic designs, as previewed by its Vision Next 100 concept of 2016 (pictured below).

Mini 100yrs concept web 270

Mini recently launched its first plug-in hybrid model, the Countryman S E Cooper All4, and is looking to sell its first electric model in 2019. This will extend the brand's range up to five cars.

Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design, said: “I am confident that the Mini design team under Oliver Heilmer will implement this vision of the brand in future vehicle models and win over Mini customers. With his design expertise and experience, Heilmer combines continuity with the freshness and vision that Mini stands for.”

Filling Heilmer’s role at Designworks will be leading digital designer Holger Hampf. He takes over the division from 1 September.

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Flyingscud 7 June 2017

I thought Frank Stephenson was returning to Mini ?

Road & Track announced that Frank Stephenson was moving back to Mini. 'Ugly is the new beautiful' he says of Mini. Can't disagree there.
Flyingscud 7 June 2017

I thought Frank Stephenson was returning to Mini ?

Road & Track announced that Frank Stephenson was moving back to Mini. 'Ugly is the new beautiful' he says of Mini. Can't disagree there.
Flyingscud 7 June 2017

I thought Frank Stephenson was returning to Mini ?

Road & Track announced that Frank Stephenson was moving back to Mini. 'Ugly is the new beautiful' he says of Mini. Can't disagree there.
Flyingscud 7 June 2017

I thought Frank Stephenson was returning to Mini ?

Road & Track announced that Frank Stephenson was moving back to Mini. 'Ugly is the new beautiful' he says of Mini. Can't disagree there.