BMW South China head Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer becomes Rolls-Royce mainland director

Wilhelmsmeyer (pictured) has worked in senior roles for BMW Group for a number of years, the last six of which have been in China. He is currently head of the China South Region for BMW and was previously head of dealer development. The appointment is effective 1 July.

Paul Harris will continue in his role as regional director for Asia-Pacific, with responsibility for all markets excluding Mainland China. His portfolio includes growth areas for Rolls-Royce, such as Hong Kong and Taiwan. 

Jenny Zheng, who has been working for Rolls-Royce for more than seven years, most recently as general manager, Greater China, resigned on 1 June.

In 2011, China became the leading sales region for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars worldwide for the first time, narrowly beating the United States to the top spot. The best-selling dealership was also located in the region, with Beijing leading the league table.

The company reports that it sold 3538 cars globally in 2011, and less than one-third was sold in China.

In China, the brand works with Cohn & Wolfe-ImpactAsia for PR but does not work with a creative or media agency.

Jolyon Nash, director, sales and marketing of the brand, commented on the new appointment, “China has become one of our most important markets globally and Henrik, with his broad experience and strong track record, is ideally suited to further develop our strong position in this region."

Rolls-Royce Motors was acquired by BMW in 1998 and was re-opened for business in UK in 2003.