BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse was named “2026 World Car Person of the Year” by the World Car Finals powered by Brembo, an award decided by a jury of 98 automotive journalists from 33 countries.
The organisers said the recognition reflected Zipse’s stewardship of BMW through a period of rapid change, and his backing for the company’s “technology-open” strategy across powertrains alongside the push into electrification and software-led vehicles.
Zipse, who has led BMW AG since August 2019, is also closely tied to BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse programme, which the World Car Awards team described as the brand’s biggest technical shift to date.
“I am honoured to be named World Car Person of the Year 2026,” Zipse said, calling it recognition of BMW’s strategic course and “an award for all BMW employees.”
World Car Awards chair emeritus Jens Meiners credited Zipse’s “technology openness” and said BMW’s current line-up and market standing benefited from that approach, while Brembo CEO Daniele Schillaci said the award was meant to recognise top-level leadership shaping mobility’s future.
The finalists list, released on Feb 10, also included General Motors staff product manager David Craig and Slate head of design Tisha Johnson.
Zipse is set to hand over the BMW CEO role to Milan Nedeljkovic in May 2026, after BMW’s annual general meeting, following the company’s earlier announcement on leadership succession.
