RICHMOND HILL, Ontario -

This week, BMW Group Canada revealed its new president and chief executive officer to replace Franz Jung, who becomes president of BMW Italia effective Jan. 1. Stepping into this role at the outset of 2011 is Manfred Braunl.

This announcement marks Braunl’s second stint with BMW Canada as he previously spent time with the company between 1996 and 2003.

Official recalled that Braunl began with the Canadian division as sales and marketing manager at BMW Group Financial Services Canada. In 1999, they moved him to BMW Group Canada, the sales arm of the company, as national marketing manager for BMW and Mini.

Since his time in Canada, the automaker pointed out Braunl has held marketing positions at BMW in Munich, Germany, first as general manager of sales and marketing for the European region and most recently as national marketing manager for BMW Germany.

Prior to moving to Canada in the mid-1990s, the OEM mentioned that Braunl also worked in the central marketing department of financial services at BMW in Munich. 

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

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

The company stated that Jung leaves BMW Group Canada in a strong position, having been responsible for restructuring the organization during the recession. As a result of his efforts, officials contend that BMW retained its position as the No. 1 premium brand in Canada in 2009, and is on track toward another record-breaking year in 2010.

Jung joined BMW Group Canada on April 1, 2009, from BMW Nordic in Stockholm, Sweden, where he was president and chairman of the board. Prior to that post, the automaker indicated he held various BMW and Mini senior management positions in Germany, Mexico, China, and Central and Eastern Europe.

“Franz has distinguished himself during his tenure at BMW Group Canada, helping the company retain its leadership of the premium segment in a very competitive marketplace,” O’Donnell declared. “We wish Franz the very best in his new role in Italy, and will always consider him a part of the North American team.”