Farnborough. BMW Group Financial Services and Alphabet have announced a leadership transition which will see Ursula Wingfield become Chief Executive Officer of both businesses in the UK and Ireland from 1 August 2026.

Wingfield will succeed Mike Dennett, who will take up responsibility as Head of Region Europe, BMW Group Financial Services from 1 August 2026, after more than eleven years as CEO of BMW Group Financial Services UK and Ireland. Dennett has also led Alphabet UK and Ireland since January 2022.

Moving from her position as Chief Financial Officer of BMW Group Financial Services and Alphabet for the UK and Ireland, Ursula brings extensive leadership experience from across the BMW Group, including previous roles as CEO of Alphabet Germany and CEO of BMW Financial Services South Africa.

May Wong will join as Chief Financial Officer of BMW Group Financial Services and Alphabet for the UK and Ireland, also from 1 August 2026. She joins from BMW Group Financial Services Australia, where she is currently CEO, and has held senior roles in South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

The UK appointments are subject to approval by the Financial Conduct Authority.

BMW Group Financial Services UK provides retail finance, leasing and insurance products for BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad customers and franchise retailers across the UK, while Alphabet UK provides tailored fleet leasing and management solutions for corporate customers.

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:
Helen Wilson
Corporate and Brand Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 372480
Email: Helen.Wilson@bmw.co.uk

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

NOT FOR PUBLICATION

The Corporate Communications team at BMW Group UK has updated its structure and responsibilities, with revised media contacts now in place. These changes follow Christina Burnham-Hepe’s appointment as Communications Director for the UK and Ireland at the start of 2025 and are part of a broader departmental restructure.

BMW and MINI Product Communications have been combined, with James Morrison taking on this newly formed role from September 1^st. Having previously worked across Sales, Marketing Communications, Events, and Product and Brand Management at BMW Group, James brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to his position as Head of Product Communications.

James succeeds Chris Overall, who has successfully led the Product & Brand Communications team at BMW over the past six years. Chris continues his 12-year career with BMW Group UK, stepping into a broader leadership role as Head of Corporate, Brand & Internal Communications.

Supporting Chris is Helen Wilson, who has managed MINI Product & Brand Communications over the past three years. Helen now takes on a new role as Corporate & Brand Media Relations Manager, with responsibility for media relations across both corporate topics and brand campaigns.

Tom Evans, Senior Press Officer, BMW, and Sam Buckingham, Press Officer, MINI, remain the first points of contact for automotive media enquiries for their respective brands. Martin Harrison continues as Media Relations and Press Fleet Manager, leading on press fleet and with an expanded remit that includes BMW Group Classic and BMW M GmbH topics.

Gina Finn continues as Media Events Manager, overseeing all UK and international events, while Internal Communications for staff at BMW UK headquarters continues to be managed by James Long. 

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:

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

Product Communications.

James Morrison
Head of Product Communications
Tel: 07815 372 646
Email: James.Morrison@bmw.co.uk

Martin Harrison
Press Fleet and Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 377 083
Email: Martin.Harrison@bmw.co.uk

Tom Evans
Senior Press Officer, BMW
Tel: 07815 371 705
Email: Tom.Evans@bmw.co.uk

Sam Buckingham
Press Officer, MINI
Tel: 07815 362 262
Email: Samuel.Buckingham@mini.co.uk

Corporate and Brand Communications. 

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

Helen Wilson
Corporate and Brand, Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 372 480
Email: Helen.Wilson@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

Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptions have been made to cater to the UK market.

Munich/Landshut. The BMW Group is presenting its next leap forward in the field of electric drive technology – and in the process ushering in a new era of all-electric driving. At the Tech Days event in Landshut, the company has provided some initial insights into the development and production of high-voltage batteries and electric drive systems using the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology. Every fully electric Neue Klasse vehicle will enjoy the benefits. The first Neue Klasse model will go into series production later this year at Plant Debrecen in Hungary. Below is an overview of the technology highlights:

• The Energy Master intelligent central control unit on the high-voltage battery – developed by the BMW Group and produced at Plant Landshut.
• A new high-voltage battery concept that, together with the BMW cylindrical cell, promises to bring about a technological quantum leap – including significant improvements in energy density, charging speed and range.
• The BMW Group also demonstrates its technology-openness with electric drive systems – through the use of different electric motor types: SSM and ASM.
• A modular approach to electric motor production gives the BMW Group an exceptional degree of flexibility.
• The BMW Group pools together expertise from the entire electric mobility value chain in Bavaria and Austria – from development, via purchasing and production, to recycling.
• The BMW Group demonstrates both technology-openness and full expertise across all areas of electric mobility.

Adopting a technology-open approach while setting the pace in electric mobility

“For the BMW Group, electric mobility is the future and a key area of growth. We are leading the way with this drivetrain technology. At the same time, we are deliberately taking a technology-open approach, recognizing that mobility needs vary between different regions of the world,” explains Dr Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Purchasing and Supplier Network. “We want to offer our customers the best drive concept for every need. It is possible to do both: offer the best drive technology for every need and be at the forefront of electric mobility.”

Slimmer, faster, further: the high-voltage batteries for Gen6

With the new sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology (Gen6 for short), the BMW Group is making a technological quantum leap. Improvements on the product side include a 30% faster charging speed and 30% increase in range, with certain models achieving even higher figures. Added to which, the Gen6 high-voltage battery concept benefits from the new 800V technology. Gen6 will make its debut this year in the Neue Klasse and subsequently be used to drive models across the BMW Group’s fully electric product range. The concept for the Gen6 high-voltage batteries is fundamentally new and will find applications in all vehicle segments – right up to the high-performance models from BMW M GmbH. Its new, even slimmer design allows the high-voltage battery to be integrated into a spread of different models, regardless of vehicle height. The high-voltage battery takes on the role of a structural component in the bodies of the Neue Klasse models (“pack-to-open-body”), and the new cylindrical cells will be integrated directly into the high-voltage battery (“cell-to-pack”). The new BMW cylindrical cell has a 20% greater energy density than its predecessor, the Gen5 prismatic battery cell. And charging in both directions will be possible: the BMW Group has confirmed bidirectional charging as standard for Gen6.

Highly intelligent central control unit: the BMW Energy Master

All of the elements that enable this technological leap forward come together in the BMW Energy Master. This central control unit is positioned on the high-voltage battery and provides the interface for high- and low-voltage power supply and for data from the high-voltage battery. It also controls the power supply for the electric motor and vehicle electrical system and ensures the safe and intelligent operation of the high-voltage battery. The BMW Group has filed a whole series of new patent applications for the vehicle electrical system, including its electronic fuses. Both the hardware and software of the Energy Master were developed fully in-house at the BMW Group. This ensures technological developments and updates for vehicles can be implemented independently and in real time via Remote Software Upgrades, providing a particular benefit for customers.

“Local for local” approach for high-voltage battery assembly and supplier network

The high-voltage batteries for the Neue Klasse are assembled in five new production facilities that the BMW Group has located close to its vehicle plants as part of a “local for local” approach. For example, cutting-edge assembly locations for Gen6 high-voltage batteries are taking shape in Irlbach-Straßkirchen (Lower Bavaria), Debrecen (Hungary), Shenyang (China), San Luis Potosí (Mexico) and Woodruff, near Spartanburg (USA). This approach safeguards production even in the event of unforeseen political and economic events. In addition, the existing locations are being strengthened, with jobs both secured and created. The “local for local” principle continues in the supplier network for battery cells: in order to cover the demand for Gen6, the BMW Group has reached contractual agreements for five battery cell factories – spread across Europe, China and the USA – with various partners.

“Cell-to-pack” and “pack-to-open-body”

Production of the Gen6 high-voltage batteries follows the “cell-to-pack” and “pack-to-open-body” principles. “Cell-to-pack” involves positioning the cylindrical cells – manufactured by the suppliers according to BMW Group specifications – directly in the housing of the high-voltage battery, without the intermediate step of a module being produced. “Pack-to-open-body” refers to the high-voltage battery’s new role as a structural component in the vehicle architecture. Numerous innovations patented by the BMW Group can be found here.

Know-how from Bavaria and Austria – in demand around the world

Before series production of the high-voltage batteries gets underway worldwide, the production processes will be developed and pre-series batteries subjected to thorough testing. This will happen at the BMW Group pilot plants for high-voltage batteries in Parsdorf, Hallbergmoos and Munich. The new series production plants around the world will then be ready. The product and process expertise is centred in Bavaria. Production of the Energy Master will take place at Plant Landshut, which will then supply all the high-voltage battery assembly plants around the world. There, the highly intelligent control unit will be installed on the high-voltage battery. The electric motor with sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology is produced at Plant Steyr in Austria, which is also home to a development centre for electric drive systems and thermal management.

Production of the Energy Master at BMW Group Plant Landshut  

A state-of-the-art production system for the BMW Energy Master is taking shape at Plant Landshut. The plant is currently producing the highly complex control unit in pre-series. Series production on the first production line will begin in August 2025, with a further expansion stage to follow in mid-2026. This is the first time the development and production of this central control unit has taken place in-house at the BMW Group. “As the company’s largest in-house component manufacturer, Landshut plays an important role for the Neue Klasse,” says Dr Joachim Post. “The plant is an innovation hub and a driver of transformation.” Around 200 people will be employed in the Energy Master production area at Landshut when production begins, rising to as many as 700 people as it ramps up further. The BMW Group has channelled investment in the high hundreds of millions of euros into the expansion of electric mobility at Plant Landshut since 2020, strengthening both the production facility itself and Germany’s status as an industrial powerhouse for the long term. The modular manufacturing system used to produce the Energy Master was also designed fully in-house by the BMW Group. It is supplied with subcomponents by a supply chain set up by the BMW Group. This extends to the n-tier supply chain for supply-critical components such as semiconductors. The benefits of this set-up can be seen in terms of both costs and supply security. The scalable production system enables the company to respond quickly and flexibly to market requirements. The high degree of automation, involving up to 400 robots in the final expansion stage, maximises efficiency. Comprehensive in-process monitoring, which includes the use of AI-based camera systems, and 100-per-cent end-of-line system checks in a clean-room environment ensure optimum quality.

Different recycling processes within the value chain

As electric mobility ramps up, there is an increasing focus on recycling of high-voltage batteries at the end of their lifecycle. Under a long-term partnership with SK tes – a leading provider of innovative technology lifecycle solutions – cobalt, nickel and lithium from end-of-life batteries are recovered from the BMW Group and integrated into the supply chain for the manufacture of new batteries. This closed-loop approach increases the efficiency and resilience of the BMW Group as part of a circular economy. The BMW Group will follow a similar path in the USA, Mexico and Canada up to 2026 with a separate partnership.

Innovative direct recycling at the BMW Group

The BMW Group is also exploring other recycling options in the value creation process. One example of this is the direct recycling method developed in-house. The BMW Group is working with its joint venture Encory to set up a competence centre for battery cell recycling in Lower Bavaria, where the company will put its direct recycling ideas into practice. This innovative process will enable residual materials from battery cell production and whole battery cells to be mechanically broken down into their valuable constituent components. The raw materials obtained in this way will be re-used directly in the pilot production process for battery cells at the company’s competence centres.

Technology-open approach for electric mobility: the new e-drive system of Gen6

The BMW Group has retained the principle of an electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) for its Gen6 power unit. On this type of synchronous motor, the magnetic field in the rotor is generated by windings fed with direct current rather than permanent magnets. In this way, the strength of the rotor’s magnetic field can be optimally adjusted to the prevailing load conditions. This results in both excellent levels of efficiency at customer-relevant operating points and constant power output at high rotational speeds. As with the Gen5 version, the synchronous motor will be positioned above the rear axle and feature a compact housing incorporating the electric drive unit, power electronics and transmission. Many of the motor’s technical details were created with the help of patented expertise, with the non-potted rotor alone accounting for more than ten patent applications.

Neue Klasse additionally incorporates ASM technology

The Gen6 powertrain employs a second, additional electric motor technology in the form of the asynchronous motor (ASM). Here, instead of being generated by permanent magnets (PSM) or electrical excitation (EESM), the rotor’s magnetic field is induced by the stator. On this type of motor, the rotor takes the form of a metal cage. The asynchronous motor offers the advantage of a more compact design and superior cost efficiency. The ASM motor variants will be fitted at the front axle of Neue Klasse cars with BMW xDrive.

Extensive improvements to EESM technology

Besides the addition of ASM technology, the EESM technology has also undergone a major upgrade for Gen6: rotor, stator and inverter have all been fully designed for the new 800V architecture of the Gen6 tech in order to maximise drive system performance and efficiency. This has been further helped by a complete redesign of the oil and water cooling systems. In addition to this, the experts from the BMW Group have also succeeded in improving the electric motor and central housing in terms of their weight and rigidity too. The transmission still uses a two-stage helical design, but has been further optimised by enhancements to its geometry and cooling, lower friction levels and more pleasant acoustics. The electrically excited synchronous motor’s “brain”, the inverter, now features 800V technology along with silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors to boost efficiency. The inverter is completely integrated into the electric motor’s housing. Its task is to convert the DC power supply from the high-voltage battery to AC for use in the electric motor. The inverter was developed in-house by the BMW Group and is produced at Plant Steyr in Austria.

Lower weight, costs and energy losses – greater efficiency in the vehicle

The results obtained from intelligently incorporating new technologies into the electric powertrain while consistently enhancing existing systems make impressive reading. When compared to a Gen5 xDrive model, a future Neue Klasse model complete with EESM and ASM technology boasts the following improvements: energy losses have been reduced by 40%, costs by 20% and weight by 10%. By combining different types of electric motor, the BMW Group’s technology-open approach is therefore clearly in evidence within the field of electric mobility. In future, customers will be able to choose from models equipped with one, two, three or four electric motors to suit their individual preferences and requirements. The sixth generation BMW eDrive technology is a significant factor in the gain in overall vehicle efficiency of around 20 per cent for the Neue Klasse. This figure is based on a comparison with the current generation of all-electric vehicles from the BMW Group.

Modular concept provides crucial advantage for manufacturing electric motors

The manufacturing concept for the Gen6 electric drive system uses the principle of modular building blocks. This forms the basis for highly flexible manufacturing of various electric drive variants across the entire Neue Klasse model range. The modular "building block” concept leads to positive economies of scale and cost savings in development and production. It also has the effect of improving the scalability of production volumes. The modular approach ensures a high degree of flexibility in production, the supply networks and procurement.

The Gen6 electric drive systems: made in Steyr

Series production of the Gen6 electric drive systems will commence at BMW Group Plant Steyr in summer 2025. Pre-production already got underway at the Austrian facility in September 2024. The pre-production motors are undergoing rigorous testing and some are already being fitted in Neue Klasse test vehicles from Plant Debrecen. By 2030, the BMW Group will have invested over one billion euros at the site since the project’s launch in 2022 to expand its development and production expertise for electric drive systems. Thanks to the increase in capacity, the plant will retain its status as the BMW Group’s leading facility for drive systems. The plant has been developing and building combustion engines for the BMW and MINI brands for over 40 years. Plant Steyr’s many years of experience and high level of expertise in the field of drive systems make it the ideal site for manufacturing the Gen6 electric motors. It has an annual production capacity of 600,000 electric drive units. Diesel and petrol engines continue to be manufactured there alongside the electric motors. By 2030, around half of the on-site employees should be working in electric mobility – a vital step for safeguarding the more than 4,700 jobs at the plant in the long term. In future, all key components of the innovative, highly integrated electric drive unit – i.e. the rotor, stator, transmission, inverter and housing – will be produced at Steyr. This will include manufacturing the inverters in an in-house clean room environment for the first time, thereby taking the engine plant into the realm of electrical engineering. The electric drive components will be built on two new assembly lines at Steyr.

Thermal management: complex interaction, crucial for performance
Thermal management involves highly complex interaction between various systems in an electric vehicle and is of critical importance for a host of performance parameters, including range, real-world consumption, acceleration and charging time. Thermal management is a question of constantly keeping the temperature of the electric motor, power electronics and high-voltage battery in the optimum range, while maintaining standards of passenger comfort at the same time. Efficient thermal management is important for fast charging too. Here, the battery temperature must be kept within a defined window in order to make optimum use of the available charging capacity. Unlike combustion engines, electric motors give off little heat. This means that, depending on the operating state, the battery and the passenger cell have to be not only cooled, but heated too. The Steyr site develops the thermal management systems for all electric vehicles from the BMW Group. The plant’s development centre is also responsible for the brain at the heart of the electric motor – the inverter.

BMW Group Plant Landshut – a multi-talented component manufacturer

BMW Group Plant Landshut is the BMW Group’s largest component plant anywhere in the world, supplying components to all the company’s vehicle and drive system plants. Its workforce of around 3,700 employees produces a broad spectrum of cutting-edge components for vehicles from the BMW Group. Working closely with the BMW Group’s Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ) in Munich, Plant Landshut plays a pivotal role as a hub of innovation for the automotive industry. It develops pioneering technologies and manufacturing processes that serve to maintain the company’s competitive edge. Over the course of the Neue Klasse project, the site is investing some €200 million in its light metal foundry to increase annual production capacity for the electric motor housings. The Injector Casting (ICA) process developed and patented in Landshut is a prime example of the plant’s innovative strength. This globally unique process is used to manufacture the electric motors’ highly complex aluminium housings that set new standards for lightweight design and functional integration.

In the event of enquiries please contact:

Corporate Communications

Christian Marxt

Spokesperson Production Network, Powertrain and High-voltage Batteries

Mobile: +49-151-601-79158

E-mail: Christian.Marxt@bmwgroup.com

Carolin Seidel

Spokesperson BMW Group Plant Landshut

Mobile: +49-151-601-90340

E-mail: Carolin.Seidel@bmwgroup.com

Florian Moser

Team Lead Purchasing and Supplier Network, Spokesperson Dr Joachim Post

Mobile: +49-151-601-62847

E-mail: Florian.Moser@bmwgroup.com

Bernhard Ederer

Spokesperson Drive Technology, Battery, Charging, Efficient Dynamics

Mobile: +49-176-601-28556

E-mail: Bernhard.Ederer@bmwgroup.com

Diana Schaidnagel

Spokesperson Sustainability

Mobile: +49-151-601-38407

E-mail: Diana.Schaidnagel@bmw.de

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 2.45 million passenger vehicles and more than 210,000 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 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.

David Beattie has been appointed the new Director for MINI UK and Ireland, effective from 1 January 2025. David succeeds Federico Izzo, who has taken a new role as Head of MINI Region Europe, after leading the brand through the successful relaunch of the new MINI family in the UK.

David Beattie, who has been heading the Used Car Business since 2023, was previously responsible for MINI Sales from 2018 and has played a vital role within the business since he joined BMW Group UK in 2005. Besides an extensive Sales and Marketing experience, he brings a well-established relationship to the Group’s Retailer network to his new responsibility. 

Rob East, General Manager for National Sales since March 2022, will succeed David Beattie as Used Cars Sales Director. Rob, who joined the BMW Group in 2018, initially headed Corporate Sales for the BMW and MINI brands and brings a deep understanding from his experience within the Sales division, and his time working with the wider industry to his new role.

David George, CEO of BMW Group UK said, “With David and Rob, I’m delighted to welcome two highly experienced colleagues to their new roles within our Management Committee and know that MINI and the Used Cars Sales division will be in the best hands. I’d like to thank Federico for the fantastic job launching the new MINI family in what is by far the biggest MINI market globally, for which I thank him and wish him the best of luck in his new role”.

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, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.

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:

Helen Wilson
MINI Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 372 480
Email: Helen.Wilson@mini.co.uk

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

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

NOT FOR PUBLICATION

Graham Biggs will retire from BMW Group at the end of October after 25 years working across BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce in a variety of senior Corporate Communications roles.
 
He was instrumental in the launch of MINI back in 2001 and went on to lead the global Rolls-Royce communications team for the relaunch of the brand under BMW ownership in 2003 and for the first six years of its new life. He moved into his current Group Corporate Communications Director position in 2009, steering the communications for all the UK and Ireland MINI and BMW brand, product, corporate and manufacturing operations.

BMW Group UK CEO, David George, said, ‘Graham has been a stalwart of the BMW Group Corporate Communications team and I would like to thank him for his outstanding contribution to building the Group’s brands and reputation for all these years. We will miss him tremendously and wish him a very happy and healthy future as he starts an exciting new chapter of his life.’

Graham commented, ‘It has been a privilege to work for such a great organisation for so long. On my first day at Bracknell in 1999 I could sense the passion that everybody felt for the company and its cars the minute I walked through the door. That has never faded. I take with me innumerable happy memories and feel lucky to have made so many friends right across this extraordinary industry.’

Christina Burnham-Hepe, currently General Manager for Product and Internal Communications will be appointed as provisional Corporate Communications Director until further notice. Christina has been Graham’s deputy for the past two years.

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
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:

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

Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptations have been made to cater for the UK market. 

Munich. The BMW Group is completely reorganising its Design division under the leadership of Adrian van Hooydonk. Like the NEUE KLASSE, which represents the redefinition of the BMW brand with its “electric, digital, circular” philosophy, a new cross-brand design team will be launched on 1 October 2024 to meet changing demands for future-oriented vehicle design.

The new organisation, focused on the transformation of the company, will remain the industry benchmark. For example, Colour and Material Design will be consolidated across all brands, while the BMW brand team will be divided into two studios and the future topic of “Advanced Design” strengthened.

“Technology and customer preferences are currently changing faster than ever,” says van Hooydonk. “Automotive design has become more diverse. Designing digital experiences and sound also plays an increasingly important role, along with sustainable and recycled materials. The design showcases all the innovative potential of our products and brands,” van Hooydonk continues. “That’s why, more than ever, every single detail matters, as well as the holistic and harmonious integration of the various elements.”

Van Hooydonk is bringing Maximilian Missoni into the BMW Group Design team to oversee the design of upper mid-size and luxury class BMW models, as well as BMW Alpina. After holding various managerial positions at Volkswagen and Volvo Cars, Missoni was most recently Head of Design at Polestar.

Oliver Heilmer, previously Head of MINI Design, will be responsible for the design of all compact and mid-size BMW models going forward, as well as BMW M.

Claudia Braun will head the newly created cross-brand department for Colour and Material Design for BMW, MINI and Royce Motor Cars. She has already been managing colour and materials for the BMW brand since April 2024, bringing experience from Porsche AG, Daimler AG and Volvo Cars.

Domagoj Dukec, formerly Head of the BMW Design Studio, will now assume responsibility for Rolls-Royce Design, including Bespoke and Coachbuild.

Anders Warming, previously Head of Design Rolls-Royce, will oversee all Advanced Design topics, as well as the BMW Group Designworks subsidiary.

Holger Hampf, Head of BMW Group Designworks, will now be in charge of design for the MINI brand.

Christian Bauer will continue to lead the digital customer experience into a new era across all brands.

Adrian van Hooydonk: “I am delighted to continue driving the design and further development of our vehicles and brands forward, together with a first-class team of highly qualified design professionals.”

BMW Group has announced that David George will take up the post of CEO at BMW Group UK and Ireland in January 2024*. He replaces Chris Brownridge, who will become CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars on 1 December.

David has wide experience across the premium automotive industry and joined BMW Group in 2018 as Director of MINI UK and Ireland. He saw great success in the MINI role, building a strong relationship with the retail network and he was subsequently appointed CEO of BMW Group Canada in 2021. 

‘I am thrilled to be returning to the UK and Ireland to take up what is undoubtedly one of the best jobs in the business,’ he said. ‘These are fascinating and dynamic times in our industry, and I am very much looking forward to taking on this challenge and working closely with the UK and Ireland teams again and also with the outstanding retailer network, as we evolve our business for the future.’

David will return to the UK with his wife and three sons.

*subject to FCA approval

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 2022, the BMW Group sold nearly 2.4 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2022 was € 23.5 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.6 billion. As of 31 December 2022, the BMW Group had a workforce of 149,475 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
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

For further information please contact: 

Kimberley Ragousis
Corporate Communications Manager
Tel: 07815 374418
Email: Kimberley.Ragousis@bmw.co.uk

Christina Burnham-Hepe
General Manager, Communications
Tel: 07815 371206
Email: Christina.Burnham-Hepe@bmw.co.uk

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

The BMW M8 Competition will be seen for first time in the UK at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The new high-performance sports car, fitted with M Performance Accessories, will take to the hill along with another exciting offering from BMW - the BMW X4 M Competition – BMW M’s all-new Sports Activity Coupé. A trio of cars from BMW’s past will also steer their way up Goodwood’s famous 1.16-mile course to celebrate the theme for this year’s festival: ‘Speed Kings – Motorsport’s Record Breakers’.

Featuring the most powerful engine ever developed for a BMW M GmbH car,  a high-revving V8 unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology developing 625hp, the BMW M8 Competition Coupé sprints from zero to 62mph in 3.2 seconds and from zero to 124mph in 10.6 seconds. Visitors to the festival will see the car roar up the hill in the ‘Supercar’ category whilst its BMW M sibling, BMW X4 M Competition, will be seen and heard in the ‘First Glance’ category. Powered by the latest M TwinPower Turbo technology, with its cylinder head core manufactured using 3D printing, the 3.0-litre in-line petrol engine generates 510hp and a peak torque of 600Nm – with a dual-branch exhaust system to help to deliver an intoxicating soundtrack.

Goodwood’s hill climb will witness runs from three famous cars from BMW Group Classic. The BMW V12 LMR with a 580hp 12-cylinder engine, that celebrated overall victory at the 1999 Le Mans, will be driven by one of the UK’s best ever international racing drivers – Steve Soper. Alongside the V12 will be the BMW M3 E30, the most successful touring car ever fielded by BMW Motorsport, and the BMW 328 Mille Miglia Touring Coupé. In 1940, this car took overall victory at the Mille Miglia in a then record time.

Festival goers will not only be able to see BMW models in action but also on display in the ‘BMW Boulevard’, a unique area at the Goodwood Stable Yard once again dedicated to BMW. It will showcase the latest expressions of luxury from the BMW brand including the new BMW M8 Competition Convertible, the BMW X7 M50i and BMW M850i Gran Coupé. The cars will also be presented on a curated runway, whilst visitors will be able to enjoy refreshments in the ‘Behind the Boulevard’ hospitality area.

Giving valuable insight into the new design language of the BMW Group will be Matthias Junghanns, Head of BMW i Interior Design, and responsible for the BMW iX, Vision I Next and Vision M Next design concepts. Junghanns, who managed the debut of the BMW X7 and other luxury models within the BMW Group, will be able to share his philosophy and design direction in a series of interviews at the ‘BMW Boulevard’ on Friday (10.00am, 2.00pm and 4.30pm) and Saturday (11.30am,  2.00pm and 3.30pm).

The home of the marque during the festival will be ‘BMW M Town’ – offering an unparalleled array of BMW product and experiences and epitomising the festival’s ‘Speed Kings – Motorsport’s Record Breakers’ theme. The stars of the stand will be the historic BMW M1, the exciting new BMW M135i , BMW M340i and BMW X3 M Competition – BMW M’s new midsize SUV – along with an out-of-this-world BMW M850i Night Sky.

Visitors to the stand will be able to experience the thrill of the BMW Motorrad Rolling Road and pre-invited guests can also relax in the exclusive trackside ‘VIP ROAR Club’. The latest BMW Motorsport collection will be available, along with a chance to see the new BMW M Bike and a BMW M2 Competition Taxi fitted with carbon accessories. Drivers and guest stars will make appearances throughout the festival, with live interviews and autograph sessions running every day - with a series of live performances that will bring ‘BMW M Town’ to life.

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 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2018, the BMW Group sold over 2,490,000 passenger vehicles and more than 165,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2018 was € 9.815 billion on revenues amounting to € 97.480 billion. As of 31 December 2018, the BMW Group had a workforce of 134,682 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based 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.

www.bmwgroup.com
www.bmw.co.uk
https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Facebook: BMW UK
Twitter: @BMW_UK
Instagram: BMWUK
LinkedIn: BMW Group UK Limited
YouTube: BMW UK

For further information please contact:

Martin Harrison
BMW Press Officer
Tel: 07815 377083
Email: martin.harrison@bmw.co.uk 

Lauren Prema
BMW Media Relations Executive
Tel: 07815 370746
Email: Lauren.Prema@bmw.co.uk 

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

Graham Biggs
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 01252 921256
Email:  Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk 

Munich. Ursula Mathar will head the BMW Group’s Sustainability and Environmental Protection department, with immediate effect. In this function, she will report directly to Dr. Rainer Feurer, head of Corporate Strategy and Planning, Environment, and will be responsible for BMW Group sustainability strategy.

With a background in business administration and pharmacy, Mathar most recently managed the Sustainability and External Reporting department of Bayer AG’s central Environment and Sustainability division.

The BMW Group has a long tradition of sustainability and environmental protection. The company was the very first automobile manufacturer to appoint an environmental officer back in 1973. The BMW Group has been listed in the FTSE4Good, one of the most important indexes of sustainable companies, every year for the past ten years and was the highest-placed automobile manufacturer in the CDP Global 500 Ranking in 2011. The BMW Group has also been the most sustainable automobile manufacturer in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the past seven consecutive years.

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