Former Spartanburg Plant Chief to Replace Panke

Norbert Reithofer will succed Helmut Panke as management board chairman of BMW AG, effective Sept. 1.

Reithofer currently is a management board member, responsbible for production. He joined BMW in 1987. Previously, he has supervised BMW’s Rosslyn plant in South Africa and its plant in Spartanburg, SC.

Norbert Reithofer had been responsible for production at BMW's global operations.

The auto maker’s supervisory board also appoints Frank-Peter Arndt to succeed Reithofer. Arndt currently is in charge of BMW’s plant in Dingolfing, Germany.

In addition, Klaus Draeger will replace Bukhard Goschel as head of research, development and purchasing, effective Nov. 1. Draeger currently is in charge of the Group's large model series (BMW 5-, 6- and 7-Series).

“The decisions taken by the supervisory board will shape the management of the BMW Group in the long run,” says Joachim Milberg, supervisory board chairman.

The moves will ensure the newly composed board of management will have continuity, the auto maker says.

Milberg also praises Panke “for all the successful work he has carried out for the company.”

Panke has been with BMW for 24 years, serving as chairman since 2002.

In a statement released by the auto maker, Milbert also acknowledges Goschel, who has been with BMW since 1978, for “playing an important role in the area of motorcycle, engine and vehicle development.”

As of November, BMW’s management board will consist of Reithofer, Arndt, Draeger, Ernst Baumann (director of human resources and industrial director), Michael Ganal (sales and marketing) and Stefan Krause (France).