According to Auto Motor and Sport, MINI has found a new chief designer: Frank Stephenson returns from McLaren to the BMW Group and assumes the lead of the MINI design, which was last led, until recently, by Anders Warming. Since Warming switched to the Chinese-German newcomer Borgward at the beginning of the year, the English have been looking for a new head for the design department, and they have now apparently found it.

McLaren MP4-12C media preview and party September 16, 2010 in New York City. Photo by Jonathan Fickies/McLaren

Frank Stephenson was already involved in the repositioning of the MINI brand under the leadership of the BMW Group and could now again play an important role for the English tradition brand. Up to now, the BMW Group has not confirmed the personnel change, but this should only be a matter of a few days.

Stephenson, in his eleven years at BMW Group, was responsible for the BMW X5 E53.

After his time at the BMW Group, Frank Stephenson initially worked for Fiat and, in addition to the new Fiat 500, drew mainly various models from the Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lancia and Maserati brands. Among other things, the Ferrari F430, FXX, 590 GTB, 612 Scaglietti and Maserati MC 12 sports cars were built under his management.

In 2010, Stephenson joined McLaren and headed the design development of the MP4-12C and McLaren P1, which is undoubtedly one of the fastest cars of our time.

If you want to learn more about Frank Stephenson, this two-year-old Car and Driver interview should not be missed.