Farnborough. BMW Group UK has announced that James Morrison will become Managing Director of Park Lane, its flagship retail business for BMW and MINI in central London.

James will succeed Michelle Roberts, who has been appointed Vice President Customer, Brand & Sales at BMW M GmbH from 1 August 2026. Michelle will move to Munich, succeeding Sylvia Neubauer, who has been appointed President and CEO of BMW Switzerland.

Michelle has successfully led Park Lane through a period of transformation and has made a significant contribution to BMW Group UK over many years, including in her previous role as Marketing Director, BMW UK. In her new position at BMW M, she will take on global responsibility for brand, customer and sales.

James has been part of the Corporate Communications team since September 2025, leading Product Communications across BMW and MINI in the UK, including the highly successful media launch of the new BMW iX3. He brings a deep understanding of BMW Group and its customers, built through a 25-year career with the company spanning a range of sales and marketing roles across the business, including Product and Event Management, MINI, Corporate Sales and overseeing BMW Luxury Class.

James’s successor in the BMW Group UK Corporate Communications team will be announced in due course.

Ends

The BMW Group
With its four brands, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2025, the BMW Group sold 2.46 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,500 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2025 was € 10.2 billion on revenues amounting to € 133,5 billion. As of 31 December 2025, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,540 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products – from the supply chain through production to the end of their useful life.

www.bmwgroup.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup

For further information please contact:

Chris Overall
Head of Corporate, Brand and Internal Communications
Tel: 07815 370 990
Email: Chris.Overall@bmw.co.uk

Christina Burnham-Hepe
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 07815 371 206
Email: Christina.Burnham-Hepe@bmw.co.uk

Farnborough. Neil Fiorentinos has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group UK and Ireland effective from 1 September 2026.

He will succeed David George, who will take up a leadership opportunity outside the company. David has led the UK and Ireland business since January 2024 and has played a key role in maintaining BMW’s leadership in the UK premium segment.

Neil currently serves as CEO of BMW Group Central and Southeastern Europe based in Salzburg and oversees commercial operations across 12 countries. Since joining BMW Group in South Africa in 1994, he has held a number of senior leadership roles across the organisation, including CEO of BMW Netherlands and President and CEO of BMW Group Asia.

With more than three decades of international experience, Neil brings broad expertise from across BMW Group, including deep knowledge of the company’s brands, and its sales and marketing operations. His proven leadership will be instrumental in driving the continued success and development of BMW Group UK and Ireland.

Neil Fiorentinos’s appointment is subject to approval by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Ends

The BMW Group
With its four brands, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2025, the BMW Group sold 2.46 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,500 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2025 was € 10.2 billion on revenues amounting to € 133,5 billion. As of 31 December 2025, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,540 employees.
The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products – from the supply chain through production to the end of their useful life.

www.bmwgroup.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup

For further information please contact:

Chris Overall
Head of Corporate, Brand and Internal Communications
Tel: 07815 370 990
Email: Chris.Overall@bmw.co.uk

Christina Burnham-Hepe
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 07815 371 206
Email: Christina.Burnham-Hepe@bmw.co.uk

BMW Group UK has appointed Andrew Jago as the new General Manager, Corporate Sales. In his new role, which commenced on 1 July, Andrew leads the team responsible for all BMW and MINI sales to business and leasing customers, reporting to Debbie McIntosh, Sales Director at BMW UK.

Andrew brings extensive experience and insight from a diverse career in the automotive industry, having held senior roles at both Toyota and Jaguar Land Rover in the UK and internationally.

Over the past six years, Andrew has led the Fleet and Business division at Jaguar Land Rover through one of the most transformative periods for the industry. His experience across multiple commercial roles has given him a deep understanding of Marketing, Sales and Customer Service within the automotive sector.

Commenting on the appointment, Debbie McIntosh said: “We are pleased to welcome Andrew to the team at an important moment for the BMW Group, as we begin introducing our next-generation Neue Klasse models to the corporate and fleet market in the coming year. His extensive background in fleet and business sales, including his experience navigating significant industry change in recent years, will bring a valuable perspective to the team.”

Andrew added: “I’m delighted to join BMW Group UK at such a pivotal time and to work with two brands I have long admired. Supporting our customers as they navigate the transition to electromobility and successfully establishing our next-generation vehicles are high priorities. I look forward to meeting new colleagues, partners and customers in the coming months.”

Ends

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2024, the BMW Group sold over 2.45 million passenger vehicles and more than 210,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2024 was € 11.0 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.4 billion. As of 31 December 2024, the BMW Group had a workforce of 159,104 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products from the supply chain and production to the end of their useful life.

www.bmwgroup.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup
X: https://www.x.com/bmwgroup

For further information please contact:

Chris Overall
BMW Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 370 990
Email: Chris.Overall@bmw.co.uk

Christina Burnham-Hepe
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 07815 371 206
Email: Christina.Burnham-Hepe@bmw.co.uk

• Sophie Rowe wins in the Events category for revitalising BMW’s Golf programme
• 10 BMW Group UK women recognised across the Rising Stars and Apprentice categories
• BMW Group success spans categories including Events, Marketing, Sales, Operations, Talent and Apprenticeships

Ten women from across BMW Group UK businesses have been recognised in this year’s Autocar Great Women: Rising Stars awards, including eight shortlisted among the 79 Rising Stars and two in the separate Apprentice category. Sophie Rowe, BMW UK’s Golf Events Manager, was named the overall winner in the Events category.

Run in partnership with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the Autocar Great Women Rising Stars awards celebrate the best up-and-coming female talent across the automotive sector. Now in its ninth year, the programme highlights exceptional individuals working in a wide variety of roles and organisations, from manufacturers and suppliers to retailers and finance.

The 2025 winners were announced on 30 April at a special event held at HORIBA MIRA in Warwickshire, with speakers from across the industry and a panel of expert judges recognising excellence across nine categories, plus an additional group celebrating apprentice talent.

Sophie Rowe, overall winner of the Events category, joined BMW in 2016 after a career that included the London 2012 Olympic Games and the Rugby World Cup. Since taking over as Events Manager for Golf in 2023, she has transformed BMW’s Golf Cup programme, achieving 96% participation across BMW’s UK retailer network and securing high-value brand placements at the PGA Championship. Judges praised her strategic mindset, stakeholder management and ability to deliver measurable impact.

Sophie commented: “I’m delighted to be recognised in the Events category at this year’s Autocar Rising Stars awards. 2024 was a milestone year for BMW’s golf programme, celebrating 20 years of title sponsorship at the BMW PGA Championship and successfully reviving our amateur Golf Cup series. While currently on maternity leave and enjoying time with my young family, I’m incredibly grateful to my managers and BMW UK for their continued support – and I look forward to returning to a business that continues to challenge and inspire me.”

A further nine women from across BMW Group UK, including colleagues from the National Sales Company, BMW Financial Services and Alphabet, were recognised as Rising Stars across the Marketing, Operations, Sales, Talent and Apprentice categories. Each was selected by the judging panel for demonstrating exceptional performance, leadership and future potential.

Colette Healy, Marketing Director for BMW UK, said: “These achievements reflect the diverse talent and drive of the women shaping our business. From product strategy to customer engagement, sales performance, employee development and many more, this recognition demonstrates the strength and breadth of expertise we’re proud to have at BMW Group UK. My congratulations to our winner and all our finalists.”

CANDIDATE PROFILES

Sophie Rowe, BMW UK
Golf Events Manager
CATEGORY WINNER – Events
Sophie Rowe had already built an impressive events career spanning major sporting occasions such as the 2012 Olympic Games in London and the Rugby World Cup before she joined BMW in 2016. After a brief secondment to the America's Cup in Bermuda, she returned to BMW and was promoted to events manager for golf in January 2023. Her exceptional leadership revitalised the BMW Golf Cup after a four-year hiatus, achieving record-setting 96% retailer engagement across BMW's 130-strong network. Rowe’s negotiation skills also secured an i7 placement on the 18th tee at the PGA Championship, which generated an additional £306,000 in media value at no extra cost to BMW. Her line manager described her methods as "the gold standard" and said they have become "a reference point for best practices" across other BMW events.

MARKETING

Nicola Verrall, BMW UK
Product Manager, Large Cars
Since earning her BSc in sports management, Nicola Verrall has built an impressive marketing career spanning agency, financial services and automotive sectors. Joining BMW in 2014, Verrall progressed rapidly through multiple roles, including a stint at the BMW Group in Munich, before assuming responsibility for the prestigious large and luxury vehicle portfolio in February 2023. Her exceptional product leadership has shaped the UK introduction of the new BMW M5, the first-ever M5 Touring and the groundbreaking BMW iX, while establishing competitive market positions for each model. Previously, as brand communications manager, she orchestrated numerous successful marketing campaigns, including the BMW 4 Series Coupé launch and the world debut of the BMW 2 Series Coupé at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. "Nikki is an exceptional professional," said her manager, highlighting Verrall’s initiative in revamping the company's New Product Preview format, which achieved an impressive 75-plus net promoter score from attendees.

Emily Booth, BMW Group
BMW/MINI Product Manager for Ireland
Emily Booth has progressed from university intern to managing full product life cycle responsibilities for two premium brands by the age of 27. She began her BMW career in 2017 and quickly demonstrated her capabilities through pioneering digital brochure strategies and website redesigns before advancing to the sales department as retailer performance centre manager – a role in which she guided BMW Westerly Exeter to Retailer of the Year status. Since 2023, Booth has expertly managed 26 vehicle launches across both brands while steering the crucial transition to MINI’s direct selling model for 2025. Her innovative approach extends to governmental relations, where she has successfully advocated for BMW/MINI with Irish authorities on PHEV and road taxation policies, resulting in streamlined technical data approval and registration processes. "Emily's energy, focus on the important topics and strategic clarity has been pivotal," said her manager.

Emily Barrow, BMW UK
Brand Communications Manager
Emily’s comprehensive management of BMW UK's brand presence earned her praise from Autocar’s judging panel. Since joining BMW in 2017 after earning a BSc in retail, marketing and management from Loughborough University, Barrow has progressed through several roles, such as events and brand partnerships assistant and aftersales marketing executive. In her current position, she oversees a diverse portfolio, including BMW's EV charging partnership with National Parks UK and the customer journey for ConnectedDrive services. Her human-centred approach includes producing video content featuring current owners of BMW electric vehicles. Beyond her core responsibilities, Barrow demonstrates exceptional initiative by managing cross-functional activities such as agency portfolio cost-centre management and steering a critical monthly sales and marketing committee with senior leadership.

OPERATIONS

Vicki Bovington, BMW Financial Services
General Manager, Process Management and Quality
In a remarkable 21-year career at BMW Financial Services, Vicki Bovington has progressed from underwriting administrator to her current role of leading a 90-person team across seven specialised functions. Her extensive responsibilities include process management, quality assurance and the entire change project portfolio. She has established the UK as the second largest market for robotic process automation within the BMW Group, maintained BSI accreditation and created one of the largest continuous process improvement communities in the company. Following the 2023 operational merger of BMW's B2C and B2B financial services, she skilfully restructured her expanded department while establishing crucial collaborative frameworks. Jemma Gregory, director of customer strategy communications at BMW Financial Services, said: "Vicki's accelerating career is testament to her business understanding, her skillset and her people skills. No matter how big the challenge, Vicki remains calm, constructive and resourceful."

Imogen Dooley, BMW Group UK
Employee Engagement Strategy and Steering Manager
Imogen has rapidly advanced since joining the BMW Group in 2019 as an events management assistant during her placement year at the University of Exeter. After graduating with a first in management with marketing, she returned through the internal Momentum programme, progressing from events executive to her current role of managing employee engagement strategy across BMW, MINI and Motorrad. Dooley has successfully implemented Peakon engagement software, achieving over 80% participation rates, which is significantly above the industry average. She represented BMW UK at the Engage 2024 conference, delivering a speech to 800 attendees. Beyond her core responsibilities, she has stewarded cross-campus intern projects and managed retailer event content. Her line manager said: "Immie is a true asset and ambassador for the BMW Group. Her infectious enthusiasm and drive for improvement and making a difference engages with every employee she works with."

SALES

Stacey Bridge, BMW Financial Services
Group Retention Development Manager
Building expertise through multiple roles at BMW over an 18-year automotive career has enabled Stacey Bridge to stand out in this category. After starting in retail sales, she progressed to BMW Financial Services area manager before taking up her current position in retention development. Her impressive track record includes maintaining more than 50% customer retention for BMW Financial Services for three consecutive years. She created a digital customer landscape that future-proofed the company's approach while establishing a global loyalty community to share best practices across markets. Her achievements earned her the Area Manager of the Year award for the UK.

TALENT

Grace Ford, BMW Group Academy UK
UK National Training Manager, Management, Leadership, Aftersales and Motorrad
Grace Ford achieved notable success in 2024, including spearheading Motorrad deal management training, with 91% completion, and driving the Tableau project to enhance efficiency and data visualisation. She joined BMW in 2013, progressing from overheads cost controller to operational finance manager before moving to her current role in 2017. With a 2:1 in PR and marketing and a CIMA accounting qualification, she brings financial acumen to her training leadership role. "Grace had been incredible in supporting Motorrad and has been absolutely fantastic," noted Nick Cranmer, head of aftersales for BMW Motorrad UK and Ireland. He added that her leadership of the Inspiro team and collaboration with NSC subject matter experts have “revolutionised” training development across multiple business areas.

APPRENTICE

Miri Watson, Alphabet GB
Service Management Apprentice
Now over halfway through her hands-on four-year chartered manager degree through Oxford Brookes University at BMW’s finance and leasing arm, Miri Watson is gaining high praise from divisions within the company, including the marketing team.

Bethan Godfrey, BMW UK
Product Management Assistant
Currently studying for a chartered business and management degree through Oxford Brookes University, Bethan Godfrey supported 21 model launches during her first full year at BMW.

Ends

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2024, the BMW Group sold over 2.45 million passenger vehicles and more than 210,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2024 was € 11.0 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.4 billion. As of 31 December 2024, the BMW Group had a workforce of 159,104 employees.
The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products from the supply chain and production to the end of their useful life.

www.bmwgroup.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup
X: https://www.x.com/bmwgroup

For further information please contact:

Chris Overall
BMW Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 370 990
Email: Chris.Overall@bmw.co.uk

Christina Burnham-Hepe
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 07815 371 206
Email: Christina.Burnham-Hepe@bmw.co.uk

BMW Group UK has announced changes to its Senior Leadership Team with Michelle Roberts, currently BMW Marketing Director, taking up the post of Managing Director of the company’s retail business Park Lane from 1 June. Michelle has worked across many senior positions within the BMW Group in both the UK and Germany over more than 20 years.

Colette Healy, who currently heads the Strategy team of the BMW Group UK, will be replacing Michelle from 1 June as BMW Marketing Director. Colette came back to the National Sales Company at Farnborough from Rolls-Royce in 2019 to lead Marketing and Product Management in the MINI team, before moving to Strategy in 2023.

David George, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group UK commented: “I would like to thank Michelle for having led our Marketing Team for six years with great success in a time of transformation not only within our business, but in the whole industry. Now, she will bring a wealth of experience to an exciting new challenge on the retail side of our business. I would also like to welcome Colette, who has been instrumental in guiding the direction of BMW UK and the Senior Management Team in her strategy role and who will now lead the Marketing Department in this vital position for the business”.

Ends

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.

www.bmwgroup.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupView
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

For further information please contact:

Christina Burnham-Hepe
General Manager, Communications
Tel: 07815 371 206
Email: Christina.Burnham-Hepe@bmw.co.uk

Graham Biggs
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 07815 376 867
Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk 

The Institute of Customer Service has honoured BMW Group UK for its commitment to excellent and innovative customer satisfaction presenting the company with the prestigious Kcom Customer Feedback Strategy Award.  Presented to Richard Price, BMW Group UK’s first Customer Director, the award recognised in particular the customer service system in operation in all BMW and MINI UK dealerships that allows every customer to rate their experience on a five star scale and write specific comments on dealer websites.

“This award recognises our commitment to providing the very best service for our customers and there is absolutely no doubt that satisfied customers drive the success or failure of businesses,” said Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW Group UK.   “We are determined to put the customer at the heart of everything we do and Richard’s appointment to the new role of Customer Director is key in making sure this is a fundamental part of our overall business strategy.”

With eleven categories, award submissions are scored against pre-set criteria by a panel of industry experts and finalists are assessed by an independent group of judges selected for their business knowledge and acumen. 

Richard Price, Customer Director, BMW Group UK , added: “We are delighted by this award, particularly as BMW Group was the only automotive organisation across all categories to make it into the finals. Our star ratings, a first of its kind in the automotive industry, help all BMW and MINI customers to make informed choices and inspire everybody in the company and in our dealer network to strive constantly to provide better customer service.”

Ends

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI, Husqvarna Motorcycles  and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 25 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2011, the BMW Group sold about1.67 million cars and more than 113,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2011 was euro 7.38 billion on revenues amounting to euro 68.82 billion. At 31 December 2011, the BMW Group had a workforce of approximately 100,000 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last seven years.

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview

For further information please contact:

Angela Stangroom              Group Communications Manager

Tel: 01344 480283             Email: Angela.Stangroom@bmw.co.uk

Wieland Bruch                      Corporate Communications Manager

Tel: 01344 480113             Email: Wieland.Bruch@bmw.co.uk

Graham Biggs                       Corporate Communications Director

Tel:  01344 480109            Email:  Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

Main office number:            01344 480320

Media website:                    www.press.bmwgroup.co.uk

Customer website:              www.bmw.co.uk

BMW (GB) Ltd has been announced runner-up at the Learning and Skills Council's
first national Modern Apprenticeship Awards in the large business category. The
awards took place on Thursday 24 June in London, hosted by Carol Vorderman.

The Learning and Skills Council are responsible for all post-16 education and
training (excluding university) and the awards aim to highlight the best
employers involved in raising the quality of workers in the UK.

BMW (GB) Ltd was one of the 22 finalists short-listed for the awards, from 240
company entrants, and the only company from the automotive sector. BMW GB's
commitment to training is exemplified by its dedicated training site, the
Centre for Development, at its headquarters in Bracknell, Berkshire. Over 500
apprentices have passed through the doors in the past five years, and gone on
to hold successful careers within the company.

Unlike the majority of the motor industry, the retention rate for BMW
apprentices is 97 per cent (the average in the industry is 50 per cent). The
three-year technician apprenticeship scheme covers units on technical and
mechanical engineering, health and safety modules and key skills. The BMW
programme is also known to attract a greater number of applicants with the
intake of apprenticeships 20 per cent higher than many competitors.

Adrian Davies, career strategies manager at BMW (GB) Ltd, said, " We're
delighted to have been recognised by the Learning and Skills Council. We see
our apprentices as integral to the continued success of BMW. It is imperative
that they are equipped with the highest possible skills. The BMW brand stands
for quality so we make sure that this ethos underpins our Apprenticeship
courses."