Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, renowned for its unwavering commitment to unparalleled client engagement and steadfast brand consistency globally, marks a significant shift as Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, the driving force behind numerous initiatives fostering these principles, steps down as Director of Sales & Brand after an illustrious six-year tenure.
Effective 1st March, Henrik will assume a senior position within the BMW Group, where he will spearhead the future development of high-end luxury vehicles.
Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer: Architect of Transformation
Henrik joined the esteemed Rolls-Royce headquarters at Goodwood in 2018, following his successful tenure as Regional Director for the Greater China region.
Throughout his leadership, Henrik orchestrated pivotal product developments and orchestrated strategic sales and marketing campaigns, notably steering the launches of business-critical models such as the Cullinan, Ghost, Phantom Series II, and the recent Spectre.
His influence extended to institutionalising Coachbuild as a permanent fixture within the Rolls-Royce portfolio.
A Paradigm Shift in Client Engagement
Driven by an unwavering dedication to consistency, Henrik revolutionised the brand’s ethos and approach. He redefined how Rolls-Royce interacts with its clientele and enhances their experiences, instilling a more targeted, personalised, disciplined, and data-centric approach to client engagement.
This transformation manifested in initiatives like the exclusive Whispers app, tailored for Rolls-Royce owners by invitation only. Under Henrik’s guidance, Rolls-Royce introduced a new Visual Identity, presently undergoing global deployment across dealer partners.
Furthermore, the brand expanded its successful Goodwood Private Office concept to Dubai and Shanghai, with additional locations slated for the upcoming year. Notably, these Private Offices contributed significantly to a record-breaking year in 2023 for Rolls-Royce’s unparalleled Bespoke programme, both in terms of quantity and value.
Introducing Julian Jenkins: Embracing Continuity and Innovation
Stepping into Henrik’s shoes effective 1st March is Julian Jenkins, a familiar face within the Rolls-Royce realm. Julian brings a wealth of experience, having spent six years at Goodwood, initially as General Manager of Sales Operations, then progressing to Regional Director for Europe.
His extensive background includes leadership roles at prestigious automotive brands, notably serving as President of Aston Martin Lagonda in the Americas, and holding senior positions at Bentley across North America and the Asia-Pacific region.
Julian’s recent endeavours include a stint as Sales Director of BMW UK and, most recently, as Chief Commercial Officer at Italian supercar manufacturer Bizzarrini, where he significantly contributed to revenue growth and the company’s commercial triumphs.
Julian’s profound international exposure, coupled with his product acumen and deep-rooted understanding of the luxury sector, position him impeccably to steer Rolls-Royce towards its envisioned all-electric future.
In essence, as Rolls-Royce embarks on this transformative journey, guided by the exemplary leadership of Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer and the promising stewardship of Julian Jenkins, the brand reaffirms its commitment to redefining luxury, setting new standards of excellence, and perpetuating its legacy as the epitome of automotive opulence.
