A multi-pole rotor for an electric machine including a rotor hub, a plurality of primary permanent magnet segments, each primary magnet segment having a rounded outer face and forming a section of a cylindrical outer surface of the rotor when mounted to the rotor hub. A plurality of interpole permanent magnet segments are also included, each interpole magnet segment having a rounded outer face and forming a section of a cylindrical outer surface of the rotor when mounted to the rotor hub. The primary magnet segments and interpole magnet segments defining two or more poles.