June 2025 Sees Major Personnel Changes in China's Automotive Industry

As the lingering light of 1999 fades, June 2025 sketches a busy picture of personnel changes in the Chinese automotive industry. This is not just a transition of a month but a profound adjustment of organizational structures and talent layouts in the entire industry amid a transformation wave. From the steady steps of foreign giants to the bold innovations of state-owned enterprises and the vigorous rise of private companies, every segment is experiencing a reshuffling of personnel. Key areas such as sales, research and development, and brand management are undergoing changes that drive the massive machine of the Chinese automotive industry towards a more efficient and intelligent future. Behind all this is a logic of adaptation and surpassing. Facing an increasingly fierce industry elimination race and rapidly changing market trends, Chinese automotive companies must adjust themselves at an unprecedented speed to meet the challenges of the new era. Thus, we see the gradual departure of older generation managers born in the 60s and 70s, while those born in the 80s, with their rich experience and sharp insights, have nearly taken over all core positions. More notably, the new forces of the 90s have quietly stepped into key roles, injecting infinite possibilities into the future of the industry. Let's take a moment to review the significant personnel changes in June 2025. On the stage of foreign enterprises, Volkswagen and BMW are undoubtedly the brightest stars. On June 11, Volkswagen announced the arrival of Robert Cisek, who will officially take over from Stefan Mecha on July 1, becoming the head of Volkswagen's passenger car brand in China. Cisek's career resembles a splendid symphony, starting from management positions in BMW's industrial engineering and stamping systems department to becoming a vice director at McKinsey. He has a deep understanding of production process optimization and manufacturing efficiency improvements. At Volkswagen Group, he has achieved remarkable results in locations like South Africa and Germany, especially during the pandemic and the global chip shortage, where he ensured stable production and zero layoffs. His return to China comes with the mission of tackling increasing market competition and diverse consumer demands. Meanwhile, Stefan Mecha's departure does not signify the end of his career but rather a new beginning as he will assume the role of chairman of the management board of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Hanover. In the BMW camp, an announcement on the evening of June 6 drew great attention. Birgit Böhm-Wannenwetsch, a seasoned automotive executive with rich financial and management experience, will officially take over from Franz Decker as president and CEO of Brilliance BMW on August 1. Böhm-Wannenwetsch's career is equally legendary, with degrees in economics and business from Germany's University of Münster and a master's degree in management from Stanford University. She has left a deep mark in several key positions at renowned automotive brands across Europe and North America. Her leadership in financial management has provided strong support for BMW's business development in the Americas. State-owned enterprises like SAIC Motor and Beijing Foton also saw noteworthy personnel changes. On June 30, during the MG Holiday summer new car launch, Chen Cui made her debut as the general manager of the MG brand division. This young manager from the 90s brings new vitality to the MG brand with her keen market insights and innovative spirit. Meanwhile, at Beijing Foton, the early departure of former deputy general manager Gong Haidong presents new challenges and opportunities as Liu Xuguang and Sun Jing join the company, injecting fresh energy. In the private sector, BYD announced a significant appointment on June 1, bringing in Lars Bialkowski as head of its German operations, tasked with driving the company’s growth in the German market. Bialkowski previously held key roles at Stellantis and has extensive experience in the automotive market. Meanwhile, Great Wall Motors appointed Lü Wenbin as the general manager of the Ora brand, facing the challenge of revitalizing a brand that has seen declining sales. Overall, the personnel changes in June 2025 reflect not only a reshuffling of talent but also a deep adjustment regarding the industry's future direction. We observe the gradual exit of older generation managers and the rise of new forces, alongside varied strategic choices from state-owned and foreign enterprises. The future is here, and we look forward to the brilliant chapters the Chinese automotive industry will write in this new era.