Digital Leadership Rise
2026: BMW appoints production chief Milan Nedeljković as next chairman
From 14 May 2026, Dr Nedeljković will assume the role of chairman, following the departure of Oliver Zipse, who will leave BMW after a 35-year career with the company.
Dr Nedeljković has been a member of the BMW’s board of management since 2019 and is currently responsible for the production division. As part this role, he manages BMW's logistics operations – led by Dr Michael Nikolaides, senior vice president of production network, supply chain management and logistics at BMW. Dr Nedeljković has overseen the digitalisation of BMW’s production plants in Debrecen, Hungary and Munich, Germany in line with it ‘iFactory’ strategy for car production.
The iFactory concept focuses on artificial intelligence, circular economy, autonomous transport systems and sustainable energy sources. Under Dr Nedeljković’s leadership, BMW has taken advantage of technology such as digital twins and smart robotics to drive efficiency improvements, as well as flexibility and sustainability improvements, across its production sites.
Speaking to AMS earlier this year, Dr Nedeljković described digitalisation as “the crucial enabler for the future”.
"Milan Nedeljković convinces with his strategic foresight, strong implementation skills, and entrepreneurial thinking. He stands for very focused management of resources – whether financial or ecological," said Dr Nicolas Peter, chairman of the supervisory board of BMW.
He added: "Milan Nedeljković inspires people with ideas, unites them behind shared values, and thereby motivates them to realise peak performance. This is a crucial leadership quality to maintain the BMW Group’s successful course in this time of transformation."
Dr Nedeljković will succeed current chairman Oliver Zipse, who, in 2023, had his contract extended beyond the usual retirement age until 2026. His 35 years at BMW will conclude after BMW’s annual general meeting on 13 May, 2026 – at which point Dr Nedeljković will take up the mantle of chairman.
“Oliver Zipse has made a significant contribution to the BMW Group and deserves our sincere gratitude,” Dr Peter commented. “He has led BMW through global crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic and represents the Neue Klasse as the largest strategic project in the company’s history.”
He continued: “Oliver Zipse has always prioritized BMW’s success. He consistently took a clear stance – even in the face of great external headwinds – and thus kept the company on track during turbulent times.”
It has not yet been announced who will replace Dr Nedeljković as head of production on BMW’s board of management.
