BMW China Leadership Shake-up: Kelvin Cheng to Take Over as Greater China President, Gao Xiang Moves to New Role

BMW Group Announces Key Executive Appointments: Christian Ach, currently Head of BMW’s German Market Operations, will assume the role of President and CEO of BMW Group Region China effective April 1, 2026, taking full responsibility for the company’s business in China. Ach joined BMW in 1998 and has held several senior roles, including Head of MINI Germany, Sales Director for BMW Germany, and Head of the Nordic Region. He has served as CEO of BMW Germany since 2024 and brings extensive sales and management experience to his new position. Sean Green, the current President of BMW Group Region China, who has spent over a decade leading operations in China, will transition to a new internal role within the company. Tim Beltermann will succeed Christian Ach as head of the German market, while Maru Escobedo has been promoted to President of BMW Group Region Latin America. BMW executive Oliver Zipse stated that these leadership changes aim to strengthen the company’s global footprint and advance its sustainability strategy.