BMW Group South Africa appoints Julia Modise and Klaus von der Osten-Sacken to management board.

Midrand – BMW Group South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa announces the appointment of Julia Modise as the new Director of Human Resources and Klaus von der Osten-Sacken as the Director for Digital and Global Solutions. Mr von der Osten-Sacken and Ms Modise assumed their new roles as of 1 January 2022 and 1 February 2022, respectively.

With 23 years of human resource (HR) expertise, including 13 years at an executive level, Ms Modise brings invaluable and vast experience to the BMW Group, gained across the retail, manufacturing, listed property, media and entertainment, as well as consulting sectors.

She joins the automotive manufacturer holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership, a Bachelor of Science Management degree, and an HR Diploma, as well as first-hand automotive supplier industry experience from Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Holdings, Bridgestone, and the Cummins Group.

Ms Modise expressed her excitement at the appointment: "I am honoured to join such an incredible team at BMW Group South Africa and am looking forward to the journey ahead. The company is committed to ensuring business continuity in the face of market volatility. In line with this vision, I will partner with business to deliver People solutions, processes and perspectives. These are intended to put our people first, increase our flexibility, boost collaboration between employees and encourage them to deliver their very best every day." 

Expanding presence in global ICT and tech

Mr von der Osten-Sacken is a BMW veteran who has been with the group for 18 years, holding various positions including Head of Softlab (BMW Group’s software development and information technology consulting subsidiary), Head of Customer Data, and Head of New Organisational Structures for the DevOps business.

His new role as Director of Digital and Global Solutions will see the skilled leader play a critical role in expanding BMW's presence in the information and communications technologies (ICT) and high-tech sectors and will establish the brand as an industry leader in the IT sector.

Along with his new responsibilities, Mr von der Osten-Sacken will retain his current role as Head of the BMW IT Hub in South Africa. As the fastest growing IT and innovation hub in the country, this crucial department provides IT services for core BMW Group processes, including production and logistics, finance, and sales to more than 50 countries. The hub contributed more than R1 billion to the South African economy in 2021.

“Having gained so much experience while working for the BMW Group, I can confidently say that we are on the road to further success, especially in the IT sector, as we continue to innovate. Our presence in the ICT and tech industries is paramount and will be top of mind in my new role," Mr von der Osten-Sacken explained.

BMW Group South Africa CEO Peter van Binsbergen congratulated the new directors: "I am delighted with these appointments, and I believe we will benefit immensely from having Julia and Klaus in these critical leadership roles. I look forward to seeing the positive impact both will have on our people and operations. Their global outlook, expertise, and unique skill sets will surely contribute to the success of BMW Group South Africa."