Gerhard replaces Lars Nielsen, the latter who has served as Managing Director for Singapore since 2021
Singapore – BMW Group Asia has announced the appointment of Mr. Rene Gerhard as the new Managing Director of BMW Group Asia.
Mr. Gerhard, who has been with BMW Group since 2002, gained experience in both the BMW retail and wholesale businesses in Germany, before relocating to the Asia Pacific region in 2016; first to take on a Director of Sales portfolio at BMW India, before relocation to Australia.
In Australia, he headed positions in BMW Sydney and MINI Garage as Dealer Principal, before becoming Director of Sales and Dealer Development, in BMW Group Australia. In his tenure in Australia, Mr. Gerhard led BMW to the number one position in the Australian premium automotive market. In 2024, Mr. Gerhard moved to Thailand, to take on the role of President & CEO, BMW Group Thailand.
Mr. Gerhard’s new role as Managing Director, BMW Group Asia will take effect on 1 February 2026.
Current Managing Director of BMW Group Asia, Mr. Lars Nielsen will relocate to Munich, Germany after five years at the helm in Singapore. Prior to his role here, Mr Nielsen spent eleven years leading Sales and Marketing in Thailand and the Middle East Region. In Munich, Mr. Neilson will take up the newly established role of Head of Sales Steering & Strategy for Region Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa.
“I am extremely excited to welcome Rene Gerhard to Singapore, where he can leverage his extensive global sales experience, to lead the diverse and dynamic markets that make up the BMW Group Asia region,” said Ms. Ritu Chandy, Senior Vice President Region Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, BMW Group. “Rene’s extensive background includes sales roles in the BMW Group Niederlassung in Frankfurt and Berlin, and as Dealer Principal in Sydney, Australia for BMW and MINI. This experience gives him a deep understanding of dealership and importer operations, making him an asset to the region.”
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Lars Nielsen for his leadership and commitment to developing the BMW Group Asia region during his tenure,” continued Ritu Chandy. “Over the last four and a half years, he has made a strong impact on how and where we do business. Under his leadership, BMW secured the number one position in the premium market in Singapore and is leading the premium segment across the BMW Group Asia region. Lars also oversaw the start of local production in Vietnam and helped guide the BMW Group Indonesia team in expanding its footprint for both the BMW and MINI brands across the country.”
Photos: BMW Singapore & Clifford Chow
