The World Car Finals powered by Brembo has announced Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, as the 2026 World Car Person of the Year.
Zipse, who has led BMW since August 2019, is being recognised for steering the German premium carmaker through one of the most transformative phases in its history, culminating in the launch of the brand’s all-new Neue Klasse generation of vehicles.
A career shaped within BMW
An engineer by training with an academic background in computer science, mathematics and mechanical engineering, Zipse joined BMW in 1991 and has spent his entire professional career within the company. Over the decades, he has held key leadership roles across development, production and corporate strategy.
Before becoming Chairman of the Board of Management, Zipse served as Head of Production and also as Managing Director of BMW’s Oxford plant in the UK. His tenure at the top of BMW will soon conclude, but not before overseeing what the company describes as the biggest technical transformation in its history, the Neue Klasse programme.
Under his leadership, BMW adopted a “technology-open” strategy, balancing electrification, digitalisation and sustainability while continuing to refine combustion and hybrid powertrains. The approach has enabled the BMW Group to maintain profitability and brand strength amid rapid global industry change.
Recognition for strategic leadership
Commenting on the honour, Zipse said the award reflects more than his individual contribution.
“I am honoured to be named World Car Person of the Year 2026. 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.”
He credited the company’s associates for their dedication and pioneering spirit in delivering the Neue Klasse programme.
Jens Meiners, World Car Awards Chair Emeritus, praised Zipse’s steady leadership during turbulent times for the global auto industry.
“Oliver Zipse has had a remarkable career at BMW, steering the business through the most turbulent of times to become the strong, forward-thinking, financially secure company we see today. His strategy of technology openness and of pursuing excellence with all kinds of powertrains has been fully validated by the market,” Meiners said.
Daniele Schillaci, Chief Executive Officer of Brembo, which powers the 2026 World Car Awards, added that the award celebrates exceptional leadership at the highest level of the automotive industry and commended Zipse for his long-term vision.
Selection process and contenders
Three contenders for the 2026 World Car Person of the Year were announced on February 10. Zipse was shortlisted alongside David Craig, Staff Product Manager at General Motors, and Tisha Johnson, Head of Design at Slate.
The winner was chosen by a jury of 98 distinguished international automotive journalists from 33 countries including Yogendra Pratap, Editor, Auto Today, who voted based on the individual who made the most significant contribution to the global automotive industry during the previous calendar year.
Previous winners
Recent recipients of the World Car Person of the Year award include:
- Stella Li, Executive Vice-President of BYD (2025)
- Adrian Newey, then CTO of Red Bull Racing (2024)
- SangYup Lee, Hyundai Motor Company (2023)
- Luc Donckerwolke, Hyundai Motor Group (2022)
- Akio Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation (2021)
- Carlos Tavares, PSA Group (2020)
- The late Sergio Marchionne (2019)
- Hakan Samuelsson, Volvo Car Group (2018)
The Road to World Car 2026
The World Car Person of the Year is one of seven honours presented as part of The Road to the World Car Awards, an annual programme that tracks jurors as they test-drive and evaluate eligible vehicles throughout the season.
The 2026 awards cycle began on September 8, 2025, and will culminate at the New York International Auto Show on April 1, 2026.
The World Car Awards programme is supported by official partners including AITASTIC Research and Consult, Brembo, the New York International Auto Show, KPMG and Newspress.
