Change is underway at MINI, and we're not just talking about the arrival of the new MINI Cooper (our first driving impression of the car is coming soon, we're currently behind the wheel of one in Spain!). The brand has announced that Stefan Richmann will take over Stefanie Wurst as its CEO effective 1 August 2024.

Wurst is attributed to setting the MINI brand into new markets and target groups, particularly in the areas of electric mobility and digitalisation. She also played a decisive role in the phased introduction of MINI direct sales in China and Europe.

Richmann, meanwhile, began his career at the BMW Group in 1997 and has since held numerous managerial positions within the company. He was also responsible for the finances of BMW Spain as CFO, before returning to Munich at the end of 2010, where he fulfilled several further management roles in the Finance and Controlling division and Product Management at BMW Group headquarters. Richmann has served as the head of BMW's Corporate Strategy division since April 2022.

MINI states that it is currently at a high point in its 65-year history, with three new models, the MINI Cooper, MINI Aceman, and MINI Countryman, placing it in good stead as it embraces digitalisation and electrification while continuing to deliver its brand signature go-kart feeling.