Axel Pannes will take up the post of Managing Director of BMW Group Asia, with effect from November 1, 2014.

Pannes (42) has been working with the BMW Group since 2002. Prior to his new appointment as the Managing Director of BMW Group Asia, Pannes has served in various functions in the BMW Group headquarters in Munich, Germany, as well as in the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars head office in Goodwood, United Kingdom. His work experience includes Sales & Marketing, Business Development, Sales Channel Strategy, as well as Retail Development - with his last held position as the Vice President of Retail Development for the BMW Group.

Sergio Solero, the current Managing Director of BMW Group Asia, will take on a new position as the President of BMW Group Italia. His appointment will take effect from October 1, 2014.

Announcing the change, Graeme Grieve, Senior Vice President, BMW Group, Importer Markets, said: "We are pleased to appoint Axel Pannes as the new Managing Director of BMW Group Asia. His multidisciplinary background and vast experience will most definitely strengthen our existing presence in East Asia. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Sergio Solero for his great contribution during his term."

BMW Group Asia covers the East Asia region, which comprises 14 markets, including; Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Brunei, Bangladesh, Guam, Mongolia, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.