Management Changes at BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd.

(Beijing / Shenyang) The Board of Directors of BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. (BBA) today announced the appointment of Dr. Franz Decker, current Senior Vice President Technology and Manufacturing, as the new President and CEO of BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., effective April 1st, 2022. He will succeed Dr. Johann Wieland, who will finish his assignment in China on March 31st, 2022 and return to Germany. At the same time, Robert Kuessel, current Plant Director Dadong, has been appointed Senior Vice President Technology and Manufacturing of BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., effective April 1st, 2022.

After 18 years at the BMW Group, Dr. Franz Decker joined BBA in September 2016 as VP Strategy and Logistics before being appointed SVP Technology and Manufacturing in January 2020. Despite unprecedented industry challenges, Dr. Decker was responsible for the successful completion of BBA’s new plant structure projects and delivered record production volumes in a row.

Robert Kuessel started his BMW Group career in 2000, and has gained extensive production and planning leadership experience in China, Germany, and the United States. He delivered a record volume as Plant Director Dadong last year, and previously held the position of Plant Director Tiexi at BBA.

During Dr. Wieland’s five-and-a-half-year tenure as President and CEO, BBA more than doubled its annual production volume and revenue, significantly expanded its production footprint in Shenyang, and created more than 6500 new jobs. In 2021, BBA was – for the first time – the largest producer of premium cars in China. This contribution helped BMW Group hit a record-high sales volume in China in 2021, and once again lead the premium segment.

“The BBA joint venture partnership is a remarkable success story that has greatly contributed to BMW becoming the leading premium automotive brand in China”, said Dr. Nicolas Peter, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Finance and China Affairs. “I’d like to thank Dr. Wieland for his outstanding contribution to BBA’s successful development over the last five and a half years. I am fully confident that BBA will continue its long-lasting growth path under the leadership of Dr. Decker, who brings to the position rich experience, proven leadership skills, and a passion for China.”