BMW's Production Chief promoted to the role of CEO
Oliver Zipse becomes the Chief Executive Officer for BMW AG and takes charge of the Munich-based automaker from August 16, 2019.
Chairman Norbert Reithofer feels that Zipse will provide the BMW Group with fresh momentum it requires at the current stage.
“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,” said Dr Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of BMW AG.
Zipse has been working with BMW since 1991. He began his professional career in the company 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.
He is also the designated Chairman of the Board of Management, and has been a member of the Board of Management of BMW AG since 2015
In his recent role was the Production Chief. Previous CEO Kruger had also been in the same role before he had taken charge of the company. Now with Zipse, the legacy continues.
The company is excited to have a seasoned employee and lead the business for the firm, especially at such a crucial time.
As the competition in the automotive sector becomes tighter with time, Zipse's main agenda will be to help the firm catch up with rivals in the transition to an era of self-driving, electric cars.
While Kruger's focus had mainly been on boosting sales of the existing products, and technologies, how Zipse brings in more innovation is to look forward to.
In fact to discuss current business developments in the US market as well as production at the biggest plant in the global production network of the BMW Group, the Supervisory Board of BMW AG is currently meeting at the plant location in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA, .
Only time will tell whether or not with this appointment BMW moves towards a new era of innovation and transformation. Let's see how the firm maintains its leadership role in the premium segment going forward and continue on its path to long-term success.
Image credit: carscoop.com