New leader at BMW for important region

Jean-Philippe Parain is the new Senior Vice-President Sales Regions Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa for BMW.

BM Wpresident

He will succeed Hendrik von Kuenheim, who took the decision to retire after 37 years at the BMW Group.

Jean-Philippe will be taking over the new role from 1 April 2022. He has a wealth of experience since he joined the company in 1997 at BMW France in the marketing department and held several senior management roles, including President and CEO of BMW Group Belux, Head of MINI Europe and Senior Vice-President Sales Region Europe.

Jean-Philippe says it is an honour and privilege to take on the new role. “This is a vital region for our industry, with a very promising potential as we continue to lead the future of mobility. I am looking forward to work with all our colleagues and partners and to continue winning the hearts of our customers in order to sustain our strong position in the region.”

Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Customer, Brands, Sales, said: “We are excited to welcome Jean-Philippe Parain into his new role and look forward to the continued success of the BMW Group across the region. As former head of Europe, Jean-Philippe is a well-known member of our team and brings a proven history of excellence and a vast portfolio of experience to his new role.

“Hendrik von Kuenheim combines passion and professionalism like few others and was the driving force behind the company's success in the Region Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. He has successfully led his team through a rapidly evolving era in the industry. We wish him a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement,” says Pieter.

More Industry News stories

Buying cars but look beyond the brochure and shiny floors

Buying cars but look beyond the brochure and shiny floors

For decades, buying a car has been as much about emotion as practicality. Shiny brochures, polished showroom floors and persuasive sales talk often overshadowed the cold, hard numbers of ownership. But today, where information is currency, consumers are no longer satisfied with glossy marketing – they want data, and they want it now.

  • 13 September 2025
Chinese carmakers eye South African manufacturing base

Chinese carmakers eye South African manufacturing base

According to a Reuters report, South Africa is engaged in discussions with Chinese automotive manufacturers to encourage local investment, with at least one company showing considerable interest in establishing production facilities in the country, a senior government official revealed on Wednesday.

  • 12 September 2025