Former BMW exec to focus on innovation and industry engagement at College of Charleston

College of Charleston President Andrew T. Hsu has appointed former BMW executive Knudt Flor as the senior vice president for innovation and industry engagement and as distinguished professor of practice.

“I am so pleased to have Knudt Flor join the College of Charleston leadership team in this very important role engaging strategic partners,” says Hsu. “Not only does Knudt bring with him his incredible leadership experience at one of the top companies in the world, he also has a unique understanding of global citizenship and the need for today’s students to be fluent in cultural diversity.”

In this new advisory role to the president, provost and chief advancement officer, which begins Feb. 1 as a one-year, temporary appointment, Flor will work to help position the College as a strong academic partner to businesses in the region and across the state. Hsu says the post fulfills two of the College’s cross-cutting themes of the strategic plan: innovation and strategic partnerships.

Flor rose through the ranks at BMW over a 30-year career to become president and CEO of manufacturing based in Spartanburg, South Carolina, serving in that position from 2016 until his retirement last year. He has held a variety of posts with the automotive company in Germany, South Africa, China and the United States, ranging from working as a launch engineer for engine production to project manager for quality management system integration to director of international supply chain and overseas logistics.

In his role at the College, Flor will help guide faculty and staff as they continue to innovate curriculum and consider new academic programs that appeal to both employers and prospective students. He will also be hands-on in consulting on the College’s development of its engineering programs and in expanding internship opportunities for students both in the United States and abroad.