Bangkok. BMW Group today announced the appointment of Ms. Yangye Kris Joo as the new President & CEO of BMW Group Thailand, effective 1 February 2026. She will succeed Mr. Rene Gerhard, who will move to a new position as Managing Director, BMW Group Asia, based in Singapore.
Ms. Yangye Kris Joo has more than 18 years of experience in brand management, sales, corporate communications, and sales channel development at BMW Group Korea for both BMW and MINI brands. Currently serving as the Head of Brand Management, she is responsible for marketing communication, product management, CRM, and the BMW Driving Center, focused on promoting brand excellence and enhancing customer engagement.
“Kris brings a wealth of experience from her diverse experience with BMW Group Korea,” said Ms. Ritu Chandy, Senior Vice President, Sales Region Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa, BMW Group. “Her extensive knowledge of the automotive market, coupled with her robust background in brand management, sales, and customer engagement, will further enhance our position as Thailand’s leading premium automotive brand.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Rene for his hard work and dedication to the company,” continued Ritu Chandy. “Thanks to his leadership and teamwork, BMW Group Thailand has reached significant milestones, notably dominating the premium automotive segment for five consecutive years. Rene’s extensive experience in retail and wholesale business, along with his demonstrated success in steering BMW Group Thailand, will prove invaluable in his upcoming regional position where he will manage 14 markets throughout Southeast Asia, South Asia and Pan Pacific regions.”
Together, these leadership movements represent BMW Group’s proactive and dynamic talent strategy, ensuring that we continue to adapt quickly, lead confidently, and deliver exceptional value to our customers across all markets.
