Automotive News Europe reported today that BMW has picked Oliver Heilmer to head design at its Mini brand. Heilmer is currently president of BMW’s Designworks subsidiary. Mini has been without a design boss since Anders Warming quit nearly 12 months ago to head design at Borgward, a German brand that has been revived with Chinese backing. Heilmer, who was born in BMW’s home city of Munich, has been in charge of Designworks since 2013. Before that he was BMW’s head of interior design team. His challenge at Mini will be to update the UK-based brand’s iconic look and lead styling for the marque’s new all-electric vehicle. Heilmer, who joined BMW in 2000, will report to BMW Group design chief Adrian van Hooydonk.
