Change at the top of Corporate Communications for BMW UK

BRACKNELL - October 1, 2008: Chris Willows, Corporate Communications Director for BMW (UK) Ltd., will leave the company on October 31st to take early retirement. His successor in the role will be Graham Biggs, currently Corporate Communications Director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd.

Chris joined BMW GB in 1980 as Product Manager and transferred to the Public Relations function in 1985, becoming its manager in 1987.

“I have led a charmed life at BMW UK” explained Chris. “Quite apart from helping to launch a myriad of outstanding BMW models, my involvement in major corporate activities brought many interesting communication challenges. The various members of my team over the years deserve my sincere thanks – they are a great group of people. I have made many dear friends and close business associates both within the company and outside. I could not have asked for more” said Chris.

“Chris has worked for BMW for 28 years in which time sales have grown from just over 13,000 cars to over 170,000” said Klaus Kibsgaard, Managing Director of BMW UK. “He has made a significant contribution to the huge success of the BMW and MINI brands in the UK and I would like to thank him for his enthusiasm, commitment and contribution. I wish him every happiness in the next stage of his life” Kibsgaard concluded.

Graham Biggs joined BMW in 1998 as Corporate Communications Manager in the UK and subsequently moved to Rolls-Royce in October 2002 as the company approached its launch in January 2003. He built a communications team that has played a major role in the re-establishment of Rolls-Royce around the world over the last six years. He returns to BMW UK as CCD with responsibility for communication of the BMW, MINI and Motorrad brands and becomes only the third head of Communications for BMW since 1970.

“It has been a privilege to have played a part in the re-launch of Rolls-Royce,” said Graham, “and I am extremely proud of what my team has achieved. I have always stayed close to the team at BMW UK and I am delighted to be returning to lead it.”

“I am very happy to welcome Graham back to BMW UK” said Kibsgaard. “He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the communications function which will prove valuable in the next stage in the development of the company and its brands in the UK.”

Biggs’ replacement at Goodwood will be announced in due course.