Harald Krüger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harald Krüger
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at the Geneva Motor Show 2018
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| Born | 13 October 1965 Freiburg im Breisgau, West Germany |
| Alma mater | Braunschweig University of Technology RWTH Aachen University |
| Occupation | Chairman of BMW Group |
Harald Krüger was born on October 13, 1965, in Freiburg im Breisgau, West Germany. He is a German business leader. He used to be the main boss, or CEO, of BMW, a famous car company. He left this role in 2019 and was replaced by Oliver Zipse.
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Early Life and Education
Harald Krüger grew up in Braunschweig, a city in Germany. His mother was a teacher, and his father was a physics doctor. After finishing school in 1984, he went to college.
He studied mechanical engineering. He attended the Braunschweig University of Technology. He also studied at RWTH Aachen University. In 1991, he completed his engineering studies.
His Career Journey
Harald Krüger started his career in 1991. He worked as a research assistant. This was at the "Institute for Dynamics of Flight Systems." It is part of the German Aerospace Center.
Working at BMW
Krüger joined BMW in 1992. He started in the Technical Planning and Production team. From 1993 to 1995, he helped build the BMW plant in Spartanburg, USA.
Later, he worked in human resources for vehicle testing. This was at BMW's "Research and Innovation Center" in Munich. From 1997 to 2000, he led the "Strategic Production Planning" department. In 2000, he became the head of "Production Strategies and Communications." By 2003, he was in charge of engine production. This was at the BMW plant in Hams Hall, UK. From 2007 to 2008, he was the head of technical integration.
Joining the BMW Board
On December 1, 2008, Krüger joined the BMW board of management. He was responsible for Human Resources. At that time, he was the youngest person on the board. In 2009, BMW made a change. They linked the salaries of factory workers and managers. Krüger said this helped keep pay differences fair.
In July 2012, Krüger took on more responsibility. He oversaw brands like MINI, Motorrad (motorcycles), and Rolls-Royce. He also managed after-sales services. In April 2013, he became the board member for production.
Becoming CEO
Harald Krüger became the CEO of BMW on May 13, 2015. He took over from Norbert Reithofer. During his time as CEO, he met with important leaders. For example, he joined Chancellor Angela Merkel. This was during her visit to U.S. President Donald Trump in March 2017.
In September 2015, Krüger felt unwell during a news conference. BMW later said his condition was not serious.
On July 5, 2019, BMW announced that Krüger would not extend his contract. He planned to explore "new professional endeavors." During his leadership, another car company, Mercedes-Benz, became the top luxury car seller. Some people at BMW also felt he was not fast enough in making new electric cars.
On July 18, 2019, the company announced his replacement. Oliver Zipse took over as CEO on August 16, 2019.
After BMW
Since 2020, Krüger has been an advisor. He works for the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB).
Other Activities
Harald Krüger is also involved with other groups.
Company Boards
- Salesforce, Advisory Board for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (since 2020)
- Evolutionizer, Advisory Council (since 2020)
- Spencer Stuart, Advisory Board (since 2020)
- Lufthansa, Supervisory Board (since 2020)
- Deutsche Telekom, Supervisory Board (since 2018)
Non-Profit Groups
- Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management (SEM), Advisory Board
- Technical University of Munich (TUM), Board of Trustees
- European Round Table of Industrialists (ERT), Member (until 2019)
- European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), Board of Directors (2015–2019)
- German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), Managing Board (2015–2019)
