BMW names Milan Nedeljkovic CEO as Zipse steps down

On the Dash:

• Nedeljkovic will become BMW CEO on May 14, succeeding Oliver Zipse, and will lead the rollout of the Neue Klass EV platform. 
• The company’s growth in China and its progress in autonomous driving are seen as critical indicators of its early success. 
• Zispese retires after 35 years, with BMW shares essentially unchanged, signaling investor confidence in leadership continuity. 

BMW appointed 30-year company veteran Milan Nedeljkovic as its next CEO on Tuesday, replacing long-time chief Oliver Zipse. The leadership change, effective May 14, comes as the German automaker focuses on its new “Neue Klasse” electric vehicle range to compete with U.S. tariffs, Chinese imports, and Tesla.

Nedeljkovic currently leads BMW production and has been instrumental in developing the Neue Klasse EV platform. His appointment ensures continuity as the company navigates a rapidly changing automotive market. Meanwhile, Zipse will retire on May 13, 2026, after 35 years at BMW and is expected to join Airbus’ board of directors.

Sign up for CBT News’ daily newsletter and get the latest industry stories delivered straight to your inbox. 

Investor reaction was muted, with BMW shares largely unchanged. The stock has risen nearly 25% this year and almost 50% since Zipse became CEO in 2019. Analysts cited Nedeljkovic’s operational experience, international background, and deep involvement in the Neue Klasse project as strengths for leading the company through its next phase.

Supervisory board chair Nicolas Peter described Nedeljkovic as a “unifier and motivator,” while Bernstein analysts called the Neue Klasse “the largest leap BMW has ever taken in investment and technology,” and praised having one of its principal architects in charge.

Further, industry observers note that Nedeljkovic’s success will hinge on growth in China, the world’s largest auto market. Analysts also urge BMW to accelerate the deployment of Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities to keep pace with competitors like Tesla.

Zipse guided BMW through global crises, including the coronavirus pandemic, and spearheaded the Neue Klasse initiative, which Peter described as the automaker’s most “ambitious future project.”