Munich-born Oliver Heilmer, the Head of MINI Design, shares what else brings him joy and light outside of his professional life.

Munich-born Oliver Heilmer is a car designer that grew up fascinated with auto design, especially tractors from his grandmother’s farm. His passion led him to study at design schools in Munich and Pforzheim before kicking off his professional career with the BMW Group’s Advanced Design team in 2000. Right out of the gate, he cut his teeth heading up the design of the BMW 5 Series before being promoted to BMW’s Head of Interior Design in 2013, a spot he held for 3 years. A move to Los Angeles in 2016 brought a change of scenery as well as a new role as the President of Designworks, a BMW Group Subsidiary where he oversaw the design teams of the North America, Europe, and Asia studios, along with the company’s strategy. Just over a year ago, he landed back in Munich after being appointed the Head of MINI Design where he’s driving the design-focused brand into the future through innovation and his unique perspective. Continue on to see what else brings Heilmer joy and light outside of his professional life, in this week’s Friday Five.
1. My family

Spending time with my kids is great, because it brings out some of the child in me, too. We?re completely focused when we?re playing; there is nothing that can distract our attention. It?s almost like meditating for me. And I?m also intrigued and amazed by my c...