BMW Group Leadership Transition: Oliver Zipse Steps Down, Milan Nedeljković Named New Chairman

Following the conclusion of the 106th Annual General Meeting, Mr. Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW Group, will step down from his position as planned. Effective May 14, 2026, Dr. Milan Nedeljković will succeed him as the new Chairman of the Board of Management. After 35 years with the BMW Group, Mr. Zipse will officially conclude his tenure on the Board.

"Through his strategic leadership and long-standing commitment, Oliver Zipse has shaped the development of the BMW Group. His name will be closely associated with the NEUE KLASSE, as BMW’s central future-oriented project," said Dr. Nicolas Peter, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of BMW Group, "Oliver Zipse has always taken a clear stance, even in the face of external resistance, thereby keeping the company strategically on course during volatile times."

Oliver Zipse 

"For more than 35 years, the BMW Group has been my professional home. I am leaving with a deep sense of gratitude: for the trust that was placed in me, for the professional challenges that have taken me to various areas in the company; and above all, for an exceptional team that is shaping the mobility of the future with passion and a pioneering spirit. It has been a great honour for me to lead the BMW Group as Chairman of the Board of Management for seven years", said Oliver Zipse.

Dr. Milan Nedeljković 

Dr. Milan Nedeljković joined the BMW Group Board of Management in 2019 as Head of Production. He began his career with BMW in 1993 as a trainee and has held various international leadership roles, including management positions at the Oxford, Leipzig, and Munich plants, as well as heading Corporate Quality. His term as Chairman will run until 2031.

Dr. Nicolas Peter said, "Milan Nedeljković impresses with entrepreneurial thinking and a consistent goal-oriented approach, as well as a clear focus and stringent execution of complex issues. He places great importance on the responsible use of resources, whether economic or ecological."

Dr. Nedeljković stated, "With the NEUE KLASSE, we are bringing a generation of vehicles to the road that sets technological and emotional benchmarks. Our product momentum is outstanding. Together with our global footprint, this gives us a tailwind. In a dynamic environment, consistent and entrepreneurial action is required. Profitability and speed are crucial. I look forward to leading this extraordinary company into the future."

Dr. Raymond Wittmann 

Effective May 14, 2026, Dr. Raymond Wittmann will join the Board of Management, taking responsibility for Production. He joined BMW Group in 2015 and has been responsible for Corporate Strategy and Development since 2024.

The Supervisory Board will also propose the re-election of Dr. Christian Bruch, Chairman of Siemens Energy AG, as a member for another four-year term. The term of Mr. Heinrich Hiesinger, former Chairman of the Executive Board of thyssenkrupp AG, will expire at the end of this Annual General Meeting.

Following the 106th Annual General Meeting, a separate Meeting of Preferred Shareholders will be held to consider the resolution to convert all preferred shares into common shares.