The BMW Group said Jean-Philippe Parain will take over as head of MINI on October 1, 2025, succeeding Stefan Richmann in the latest leadership reshuffle at the brand. It marks MINI’s third change at the top in just over a year.
Parain, who joined BMW France in 1997, has held senior roles across Europe and internationally, including president and CEO of BMW Group Belux, head of MINI Europe, and head of sales region Europe. Most recently, he oversaw sales in Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, where the company reported strong growth and premium segment leadership.
“We are convinced that Jean-Philippe Parain, with his leadership experience and sales expertise, will help MINI build on the strong foundation of the new model family and realise the brand’s great potential in coming years,” said Jochen Goller, member of the board of management of BMW AG, responsible for customer, brands and sales.
Richmann, who had led MINI since August 2024, will move to a new role as head of treasury and investor relations at BMW Group. During his tenure, MINI’s sales rose about 25% by August 2025, driven largely by new all-electric models. “Stefan Richmann has done an outstanding job in steering the MINI brand into the future and positioning it for continued growth and success,” Goller said.
Walter Mertl, BMW’s board member responsible for finance, welcomed Richmann’s return to the finance division. “Stefan’s financial expertise and strategic vision make him the ideal candidate to bring the BMW Group Treasury and Investor Relations to the next level,” he said.
The reshuffle underscores recent instability in MINI’s leadership. Richmann replaced Stefanie Wurst, who stepped down in July 2024 after two years in the position. Parain now faces the task of maintaining momentum while strengthening MINI’s role within BMW’s broader electrification strategy. Questions remain over whether future MINIs will migrate to the Neue Klasse platform, which is built around rear-mounted electric motors, or continue with the existing FAAR architecture that underpins current front-wheel-drive models.