Rob Melville exits McLaren

McLaren’s director of design, Rob Melville has left the company after 13 years. He joined McLaren from GM in 2009 and became chief designer in 2015, replacing Frank Stephenson as director of design in 2017.

During his time with McLaren he was instrumental in the design of models such as the 570S and Senna, but it is the 720S that Melville really put his name to before penning the new Artura, which has just had its international launch.

When contacted by Car Design News, Melville said: “I’ve loved my time at McLaren and with the third generation designed felt it was time to move on, especially when a once in a lifetime opportunity presents itself.”

Melville can’t confirm what opportunity has lured him away from Woking just yet, only saying that it’s an automotive project in the Middle East so we await news on that.

A spokesperson for McLaren told us that an announcement confirming a new design director will be made in due course and that Goran Ozbolt will step up as acting design director. They would not elaborate any further, saying only that “we’re of course very grateful to Rob for his tremendous contribution and we wish him well in his future endeavours.”

There is speculation that Melville may be moving to a new position in the Middle East although Car Design News is not able to confirm that at this stage.