Richard Charlesworth MVO Richard started his career at Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motor Cars in 1974, as a commercial assistant in the UK Sales Department. He worked in various areas within the Sales and Marketing function, including being area manager of the North of England and the Middle East. He became the Worldwide Marketing Manager in 1991. Richard was appointed as Director of Public Affairs for 7 years from 1993-2000, during which time he was responsible for the launch of the Turbo S, Continental S, Java concept, Azure, and Brooklands, to name but a few. He also oversaw the communication of the sale of the Company to Volkswagen AG in 1998. Richard moved back to a customer facing role in 2000 to develop and promote the new range of products designed and built by the newly re-launched Mulliner Coachbuilding Division at the Crewe Factory. It was whilst in this role that Richard led the 3-year project to build the Bentley State Limousine for HM The Queen, which involved over 50
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Richard Charlesworth MVO
Richard started his career at Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motor Cars in 1974, as a commercial assistant in the UK Sales Department. He worked in various areas within the Sales and Marketing function, including being area manager of the North of England and the Middle East. He became the Worldwide Marketing Manager in 1991.
Richard was appointed as Director of Public Affairs for 7 years from 1993-2000, during which time he was responsible for the launch of the Turbo S, Continental S, Java concept, Azure, and Brooklands, to name but a few. He also oversaw the communication of the sale of the Company to Volkswagen AG in 1998.
Richard moved back to a customer facing role in 2000 to develop and promote the new range of products designed and built by the newly re-launched Mulliner Coachbuilding Division at the Crewe Factory. It was whilst in this role that Richard led the 3-year project to build the Bentley State Limousine for HM The Queen, which involved over 50 suppliers. This entailed several personal meetings with The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh between 1999 and 2002 to gain their input into the specification of the vehicle, which was
presented to Her Majesty on 29th March 2002. In the same year Richard was appointed MVO (Member of the Royal Victorian Order) by The Queen in Her Golden Jubilee Honours list, for services to Her Majesty.
From 2007 until he retired he was Director of Royal and VIP relations, and Head of the Bentley Heritage Collection.
This role allowed Richard to bring together all his knowledge and experience into a tailor-made position. It entailed responsibility for the Company’s relationship with The British Royal Family and other Royal Families and Heads of State around the world, and with a few very high profile, internationally recognised individuals from sport, film and music.
As Head of the Bentley Heritage Collection, Richard acquired for the Company many seminal cars from throughout Bentley’s then 97-year history. He oversaw their use around the world and took part in several high-profile Rallies and Concours internationally to promote the Brand and link to customer events. This led to the development of close relationships with a few of the world’s most influential collectors, enabling Bentley Motors to have access to some of the most important historic Bentleys in private ownership.
Richard effectively became the Company expert on Bentley history, and benefitting from his previous roles, was often called upon for media interviews, customer hosting, external presentations, presence at events, and after dinner speeches.
On 31st March 2016, Richard retired from Bentley Motors Limited and established a small consultancy, Richard Charlesworth Limited, to enable him to provide advice and support to a select number of contacts within the automotive world. He continued to work closely with Bentley as a Brand Ambassador, maintaining relationships with The Royal Family and VVIPs, as well as continuing his work with The Bentley Heritage Collection until 30th June 2017.
During his long career at Bentley Motors, Richard established strong relationships with some of the most prestigious car Concours, events and Rallies around the world, including the Mille Miglia (where he has participated several times), Le Mans 24 Hours, Pebble Beach, Goodwood Festival of Speed, as well as being asked to Judge at the Zoute Grand Prix, and the 21 Gun Salute in Delhi, India. He has also acted as Master of Ceremonies at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering since 2004.
Since fully retiring, in 2017 he was appointed non-Executive Director of Classic Motor Cars in Bridgnorth, UK, as they started a new chapter in their history as an Employee owned Company. Richard is Car Curator for the Hampton Court Concours of Elegance and became Master of The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers of London on 2nd September 2019.
Membership of The Coachmakers is a privilege, and becoming Master is a huge honour, and Richard is determined to make a positive contribution to the well-being of The Livery, and the City and Corporation of London during his year.
