BMW Group Canada announces Manfred Braunl as new CEO

BMW Group Canada today announced that Manfred Braunl will assume the role of president and CEO, effective January 1, 2011.  Braunl replaces Franz Jung who becomes president of BMW Italia effective January 1, 2011.

Braunl worked previously with BMW Canada between 1996 and 2003.  He began with the Canadian division as Sales and Marketing Manager at BMW Group Financial Services Canada.  In 1999 he moved to BMW Group Canada, the sales arm of the company, as National Marketing Manager for BMW and MINI.  Since his time in Canada, Braunl has held marketing positions at BMW in Munich, first as General Manager, Sales and Marketing for the European region and most recently as National Marketing Manager for BMW Germany.  Prior to moving to Canada in the mid-nineties, he worked in the Central Marketing Department, Financial Services at BMW in Munich.

“Manfred has significant Canadian experience which will help us sustain our momentum in this market,” said Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC.  “We’re delighted to welcome him back to North America to support BMW’s strong position within the Canadian automotive landscape.”

Jung leaves BMW Group Canada in a strong position, having been responsible for restructuring the organization during the recession.  As a result of his efforts, BMW retained its position as the number one premium brand in Canada in 2009, and is on track towards another record-breaking year in 2010. Jung joined BMW Group Canada on April 1, 2009 from BMW Nordic in Stockholm, Sweden where he was President and Chairman of the Board.  Prior to that, he held various BMW and MINI senior management positions in Germany, Mexico, China and Central Eastern Europe.

“Franz has distinguished himself during his tenure at BMW Group Canada, helping the company retain its leadership of the premium segment in a very competitive marketplace,” continued O’Donnell.  “We wish Franz the very best in his new role in Italy, and will always consider him a part of the North American team.”