New president for BMW Group Canada

BMW Group Canada will have a new man at the helm as Manfred Braunl assumes the role of president and CEO from Franz Jung effective the Jan. 1, 2011.

Jung, who will assume the role of president of BMW Italia on the first of the new year, spent just 19 months guiding BMW Group Canada through one of the worst industry sales slumps in history.

The automaker says it is currently on track to break national sales records for 2010.

“Manfred has significant Canadian experience which will help us sustain our momentum in this market,” said Jim O’Donnell, president of BMW of North America, LLC. 

“We’re delighted to welcome him back to North America to support BMW’s strong position within the Canadian automotive landscape.”

Braunl had worked previously with BMW Canada between 1996 and 2003.  The automaker says he began with the Canadian division as sales and marketing manager at BMW Group Financial Services Canada. 

In 1999, he moved to BMW Group Canada as national marketing manager for BMW and MINI. 

After leaving Canada, Braunl has spend time with BMW’s European operations