As of January 1, 2019, former Daimler executive Jens Thiemer will lead BMW brand management and marketing department. Thiemer succeeds Sven Schuwirth, who left BMW in May just after a few months on the job, returning to Audi, his former employer.

“Brand management and marketing are crucial fields for a premium car company operating in today’s highly competitive environment,” said Pieter Nota, BMW AG Management Board Member for Sales and Brand BMW.

“To ensure our continuing success in this very competitive business, we will be extending this area in the coming months. I am delighted that Jens Thiemer, a highly experienced marketing specialist, is joining us at this time,” Nota continued. “Our joint goal is to achieve a seamless brand experience for our customers, across all touchpoints.”

Following his degree in business studies, Thiemer (46) has gained many years of experience in automotive brand management and marketing, both from a manufacturer’s and a consultant’s perspective.

Thiemer began his career in 1998 at Daimler Chrysler, where he held several senior roles in marketing and strategy. In 2007, he moved to CNC consulting services in Munich, where he served as partner and managing director.

In 2013, he returned to Daimler as vice president of brand communications at Mercedes-Benz, before becoming vice president of marketing at the brand in 2014, a role held until this year.

For years, the BMW brand and marketing responsibilities were under the leadership of Hildegard Wortmann, the former BMW executive who moved to Singapore as the sales director of the Asia-Pacific region, before leaving the company early this month. Wortmann is also rumored to start at Audi in July 2019.