Oliver Zipse Appoints Oliver Kretschmer as CEO of BMW Group Greater China

[Personnel Change] Effective April 1, Oliver Kretschmer will succeed Oliver Zipse as President and CEO of BMW Group Greater China.

Core Development: Leadership Transition Amid the Critical Phase of 'Neue Klasse'

Oliver Kretschmer will take charge of BMW's operations in China at a pivotal moment—just as the company prepares to launch production of its all-new electric vehicle platform, 'Neue Klasse'. His predecessor, Oliver Zipse, served in China for 12 years, including over two years as CEO of BMW Group Greater China, during which the Chinese market consistently contributed more than one-third of BMW’s global sales.

Key Metrics: Sales Under Pressure but Core Market Intact

In 2025, BMW delivered 625,500 vehicles in China, a year-over-year decline of 12.5%. Although this figure falls short of the peak 825,000 units recorded when former CEO Harald Krüger departed, BMW has managed to hold onto its core market share despite intense price competition and mounting pressure from domestic brands.

Strategic Foundation: Organizational Optimization for Electric Transition

This leadership change is widely seen as a strategic realignment by BMW in response to China’s rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape. The new management team will accelerate electrification with the upcoming launch of 20 new models and further integrate digital capabilities into its dealer network.