BMW has announced that Milan Nedeljkovic, its current head of production, will take over as chief executive in May. Nedeljkovic, a 56-year-old engineer with over 29 years of experience at the Munich-based manufacturer, will succeed Oliver Zipse when he reaches the end of his term. As the new CEO, Nedeljkovic will oversee the company’s ongoing expansion of its electric vehicle offerings, a key strategy already underway under Zipse’s leadership.

Nedeljkovic’s appointment comes at a challenging time for Germany’s auto sector. The company is facing declining sales in the Chinese market, where local competition is strong, particularly in the electric vehicle segment. Additionally, BMW, like its domestic rivals Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, has been impacted by US tariffs. However, the company has fared relatively well due to its large factory in South Carolina.

Despite these challenges, BMW reported rising profitability in the third quarter, driven by healthy worldwide sales. The company’s ability to navigate these headwinds has demonstrated its resilience, according to Zipse. As the new CEO, Nedeljkovic will be tasked with advancing the company’s electric vehicle strategy, which is critical to its long-term success.

BMW’s electric vehicle expansion is part of a broader industry trend, as automakers around the world transition to more sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies. The company’s experience in producing both electric and combustion engine models on the same production lines will be an asset in this transition.

The appointment of Nedeljkovic as CEO is significant, given his extensive experience in production and his understanding of the company’s operations. His leadership will be crucial in steering the company through the current challenges and capitalizing on opportunities in the electric vehicle market. As the auto industry continues to evolve, BMW’s ability to adapt and innovate will be essential to its success.