After 21 years of service to the BMW Group, Ludwig Willisch, the immediate past president and CEO of BMW of North America and the current head of BMW Group Region Americas, retired effective Tuesday, August 1.
Willisch took over at BMW of North America in 2011; since then, he has presided over record sales and an extensive dealership-renovation program. As Head of BMW Group Region Americas, he was responsible for all BMW Group sales, marketing, and distribution from Canada to Argentina while also holding down the BMW of North America job.
“During his time with us at BMW, Ludwig has been responsible for the sale of well over 5,000,000 vehicles!” said Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “Ludwig is quite a salesman, however, he has left a much greater legacy as a strong ambassador for the company and as a mentor to so many who have had the opportunity to work with him over the years.”
Willisch ran BMW's Europe sales region before becoming President and CEO of BMW NA and Head of BMW Group Region Americas. Prior to that, he was President of BMW M GmbH.
Commenting on his time in the Americas, Willisch said, “The success we have experienced and enjoyed over the last several years is because of the spirit, creativity, and willingness of the entire team here in the Americas. We—all of us working together—achieved the great results. The team spirit that held us together and moved us forward is what makes me most proud of the years I spent as your CEO.”
"Now, I am very pleased to say that I am leaving you in good hands and I know you will give your great support to Bernhard and his team as we complete the transition.”
Bernhard Kuhnt became the new President and CEO of BMW NA in March of this year. With Willisch's retirement, he will also assume the role of Head of BMW Group Region Americas.
Ludwig Willisch was not your ordinary car company executive. He not only loved selling BMWs, but also was an avid BMW and motorsports enthusiast. He is an amateur racing driver who routinely participated in events like the Rolex Monterey Motorsport Reunion, often driving historic BMW race cars in the vintage races there.
Willisch was also a great friend to the BMW Car Club of America and the BMW CCA Foundation. We wish him the best in his retirement.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of BMW AG.]
