MINI Australia just hit the personality accelerator by teaming up with former Formula 1 aerodynamicist turned pastry prodigy, (now that’s a combo) Kate Reid, as the latest “Friend of MINI.” Imagine the marriage of engineering precision and buttery perfection—a combination as unexpected as it is delightful. Reid’s appointment as an ambassador crowns a lifelong love affair with the MINI brand, a relationship as rich and layered as one of her famous croissants.
From her early days studying Aerospace Engineering at RMIT University, Reid seemed destined to conquer the fast lane. She ultimately worked as an aerodynamicist for the Williams F1 team before trading wind tunnels for flour-covered countertops in Paris. In 2012, she launched Lune Croissanterie, earning praise for what many consider the best croissants in the world. This relentless drive for perfection mirrors the high-performance ethos of the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) line, making her partnership with MINI both natural and symbolic.
Reid’s personal MINI story is as charming as the cars themselves. Her father’s 1974 Leyland Mini Clubman was the backdrop of countless childhood adventures, and by the time she turned 18, she couldn’t resist snagging her own vintage 1971 Mini K. Fast-forward to 2017, Reid took the leap into a MINI Cooper S, and since then, has upgraded to the MINI John Cooper Works—solidifying her status as a true devotee of the brand.
MINI Head of Marketing for Australia and New Zealand, Nikesh Gohil, expressed why Reid’s diverse background makes her the perfect face for their high-performance lineup. “Kate Reid’s journey is an inspiration to many,” said Gohil. “Her passion and commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with the love MINI owners have for the brand”.
The announcement comes just in time for the launch of the all-electric JCW and other new MINI John Cooper Works models—a fitting stage for this unique partnership. It’s a fusion of innovation and passion, driving MINI’s legacy into the future while keeping one perfectly crafted croissant (or rather, wheel) in its storied past.
