BMW promotes Oliver Zipse to CEO

Oliver Zipse will assume the role of chairman of the board of management of BMW effective August 16.

The company’s supervisory board made this decision today during its meeting in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Zipse will succeed Harald Krüger, who informed the chairman of the supervisory board at the beginning of July that he would not seek a second term of office.

Zipse began his professional career at the luxury carmaker in 1991 as a trainee and has since held various management positions, including as managing director plant oxford and senior vice president corporate planning and product strategy.

“With Oliver Zipse, a decisive strategic and analytical leader will assume the Chair of the Board of Management of BMW AG. He will provide the BMW Group with fresh momentum in shaping the mobility of the future,” says Dr Norbert Reithofer, chairman of the supervisory board of BMW.

"The supervisory board greatly respects the decision by Harald Krüger and today expressed our sincere appreciation for his many years of successful work within the BMW Group. On behalf of the entire company, we all wish him all the best in the future and hope that the BMW Group will always have a special meaning for him.

“With its innovative strength, strong brands and dedicated employees, the BMW Group will build on its leadership role in the premium segment going forward and continue on its path to long-term success.”