Rob Melville Tapped as McLaren’s New Design Boss

McLaren Automotive Ltd. has promoted Rob Melville to design director, replacing the departing Frank Stephenson.

Melville, who has been at McLaren since 2009, was named chief designer in January 2015. He is credited with penning the supercar maker’s original and second-generation Sports Series models as well as this year’s 720S supercar (pictured).

Reports earlier this month indicated Stephenson is leaving McLaren to return to BMW AG’s Mini unit. Stephenson joined McLaren 10 years ago after leading the design of the retro Mini hatchback in the early 2000s.

In addition to the Mini and most of McLaren’s lineup, Stephenson is credited with designing the BMW X5 crossover SUV, Fiat 500 small car and Ferrari 430 and Maserati Mc12 supercars.