Lepas L4 Embarks on its South African journey
A new chapter begins as the first Lepas L4 vehicles depart Port Taicang in China, bound for South Africa.
- Product News
- 2 February 2026
Jean-Philippe Parain is the new Senior Vice-President Sales Regions Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa for BMW.
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.
A new chapter begins as the first Lepas L4 vehicles depart Port Taicang in China, bound for South Africa.
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