Why Has BMW Appointed Milan Nedeljković As Its Next CEO?

BMW’s supervisory board has appointed Milan Nedeljković as its new CEO, replacing its leader of six years Oliver Zipse as it launches into its next era of ambitious models.

Milan will succeed Oliver when he steps down in May, according to the company, also assuming the role of Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

Dr. Nicolas Peter, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of BMW, said in a statement: “Oliver Zipse has made a significant contribution to the BMW Group and deserves our sincere gratitude. He has led BMW through global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and represents the Neue Klasse as the largest strategic project in the company’s history.”

He added: “Oliver Zipse has always prioritised BMW’s success. He consistently took a clear stance - even in the face of great external headwinds - and thus kept the company on track during turbulent times.”

Leaving the Board of Management after the BMW’s Annual General Meeting on 13 May 2026, Oliver will conclude a 35-year tenure at the car firm.

Introducing Milan Nedeljković

Milan has been a Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG since 2019 and is currently responsible for the Production division.

He began his career at BMW as a 24-year-old trainee in 1993 and went on to hold senior leadership positions around the globe, including at Plant Oxford, Managing Director of Plant Leipzig and Munich, and as Senior Vice President of Corporate Quality.

Discussing his appointment, Nicolas said Milan “convinces with his strategic foresight, strong implementation skills and entrepreneurial thinking”.

“Milan Nedeljković inspires people with ideas, unites them behind shared values, and thereby motivates them to realise peak performance,” he explained. “This is a crucial leadership quality to maintain the BMW Group’s successful course in this time of transformation.”

Entering BMW’s Electric Era

BMW says this announcement follows the “successful launch of the Neue Klasse”, translating literally to ‘New Class’ in English.

The concept was revealed by Oliver in 2023, who said at the time: “The BMW Vision Neue Klasse combines our agility to innovate in the core areas of electrification, digitalisation and circularity.

“In this way, we are always able to stay two steps ahead of the future: The Neue Klasse is already bringing the mobility of the next decade to the roads in 2025, and leading BMW into a new era.”

This marks a significant new generation of EVs built on a dedicated EV platform that Milan will be tasked with continuing in 2026, signalling a major shift in design, technology and digital experience for future BMWs.

The vehicles emphasise sustainability through reduced carbon footprints, digital integration, including a panoramic iDrive display, and enhanced driving pleasure.

The firm officially unveiled the iX3 in early September 2025, ahead of the Munich Motor Show.

Global competition

Milan will also be in charge of leading the carmaker through global competition. In October, BMW cut its 2025 earnings forecast citing slower growth in China, the impact of US tariffs and delays in customs duty reimbursements.

This resulted in a significant drop in BMW’s stock price and reflected challenges with weak demand and trade tensions. The firm is now banking on the Neue Klasse series to drive growth in 2026.

Dr. Martin Kimmich, Chairman of the Global Works Council and Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board, said: “Together with him, we look forward to continuing the long tradition of cooperative collaboration between the Works Council and corporate management as a foundation for our BMW success story."