**BMW Group Appoints Milan Nedeljkovic as New CEO Amid EV Strategy**
BMW Group has announced the appointment of Milan Nedeljkovic as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective May 14, 2026. This decision comes as the automaker intensifies its focus on electric vehicles (EVs) to compete with rivals such as Tesla and emerging Chinese manufacturers. Nedeljkovic will succeed Oliver Zipse, who has held the position since 2019 and will depart the board after 35 years with the company.
The Supervisory Board made the announcement on December 9, 2025, highlighting the strategic importance of Nedeljkovic’s leadership in revitalizing sales, particularly in the competitive Chinese market. Moritz Kronenberger, a portfolio manager at Union Investment, emphasized that the success of Nedeljkovic’s tenure will largely depend on performance in China, where local competitors are gaining ground.
Kronenberger also urged BMW to accelerate its development of autonomous driving technologies, suggesting that the company needs to implement Level 3 capabilities across its vehicle lineup to keep pace with industry leader Tesla.
Milan Nedeljkovic, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience at BMW, has been a member of the Board of Management since October 1, 2019. He has overseen production across 31 sites in 15 countries, managing nearly 60,000 employees. Nedeljkovic began his career at BMW as a trainee in Munich in 1993 and has held various leadership roles, including Head of Assembly at the Leipzig plant and Managing Director of the Munich plant.
He holds a degree in mechanical engineering from RWTH Aachen University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and he completed his doctorate at the Technical University in the field of Forming Technology and Foundry Engineering.
As BMW navigates the evolving automotive landscape, Nedeljkovic’s leadership will be crucial in steering the company towards a successful future in the electric vehicle market.
**FAQ**
*What is the significance of Milan Nedeljkovic’s appointment as CEO?*
Milan Nedeljkovic’s appointment is significant as it marks a strategic shift for BMW Group, focusing on enhancing sales and competitiveness in the electric vehicle sector, particularly in the Chinese market.
