Oliver Zipse has been awarded the honour

On February 26 the World Car Finals powered by Brembo was delighted to announce BMW AMG Chairman of the Board of Management, Oliver Zipse, as the 2026 World Car Person of the Year.
Oliver has led BMW AG as Chairman of the Board of Management since August 2019, guiding one of the world’s most respected premium automotive groups through a period of profound technological and strategic transformation.
“I am honoured to be named World Car Person of the Year 2026,” Oliver said.
“To me, this is much more than just an award for my tenure as BMW’s CEO: it is a recognition of our strategic course and the courage we have shown to pursue the company’s biggest project ever, the Neue Klasse. And, most importantly, it is an award for all BMW employees.
“Therefore, I would like to thank all our associates: for their dedication, their passion, and their pioneering spirit.
“The Neue Klasse is a prime example of the remarkable achievements that can be made possible by this collective effort.”
Oliver was one of three World Car Person of the Year contenders which were announced on February 10, featuring alongside General Motors Staff Product Manager, David Craig, and Slate Head of Design, Tisha Johnson.
“The 2026 World Car Person of the Year award celebrates exceptional leadership at the highest level of the automotive industry, and we congratulate this year’s winner, Oliver Zipse,” Brembo Chief Executive Officer, Daniele Schillaci, said.
“We are proud to support an initiative that promotes vision, innovation and a long-term commitment to shaping the future of mobility.”

To learn more about the World Car Awards, visit www.worldcarawards.com

For more from Brembo, visit www.brembogroup.com