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BMW Group Appoints Stefan Gerhaeusser As New Head Of Technology Office USA Effective August 2025
BMW has announced a leadership change at its Technology Office USA in Mountain View, California. Stefan Gerhaeusser will take over as Vice President and Head of the office starting August 1, 2025. He replaces Claus Dorrer, who is returning to Munich to lead product development for BMW's Intelligent Personal Assistant and other digital experiences.
Rudolph Bencker, Senior Vice President of Inventions and Innovations Management at BMW AG, expressed gratitude for Dorrer's leadership over the past three years. "Our technology offices play an important role in securing BMW Group’s position as a technology and innovation leader – now and into the future," he stated. Bencker also welcomed Gerhaeusser to his new role, expressing confidence in his ability to build on the foundation laid by Dorrer.
Gerhaeusser joined BMW Group in 2008, initially working as an IT specialist with BMW Manufacturing Co. in South Carolina. He later moved back to Munich, where he contributed to software development for infotainment projects and human-machine interfaces. His experience positions him well for his new role in leading the Technology Office USA.
The BMW Group Technology Office USA is a key research and development hub within the company's global network of technology offices. These offices are strategically located in major technology hotspots worldwide, including Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Tel Aviv, and Tokyo. The office first opened in Silicon Valley in 1998 and moved to its current location in Mountain View in 2011.
Under Dorrer's leadership, the office collaborated with U.S. technology partners on innovations focusing on augmented reality, AI-based functionalities, digital experiences, e-mobility, and battery technology. The office also celebrated its 25th anniversary during his tenure and introduced the BMW Vision Neue Klasse to the U.S.
BMW's Presence in the United States
BMW of North America was established 50 years ago to manage sales, marketing, and distribution of BMW vehicles in the U.S. Over time, it expanded to include BMW Motorrad in 1980 and BMW Group Financial Services NA in 1993. In 1994, vehicle assembly began at BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina.
The company further expanded by establishing MINI USA and relaunching Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA between 2002 and 2003. Today, BMW has a significant presence across nearly 30 locations in 12 states. This includes Designworks in Santa Monica and a venture capital fund called BMW i Ventures located in Silicon Valley.
Impact on U.S. Economy
The Spartanburg plant is notable as it is the largest single production facility for BMW globally. It serves as the center of competence for Sports Activity Vehicles like the X3 through XM models. The plant assembles over 1,500 vehicles daily and up to 450,000 annually since its inception in 1994.
BMW's operations support more than 120,000 jobs across the U.S., contributing over $43 billion annually to the economy. The sales network includes numerous retailers for cars and motorcycles under various brands such as MINI and Rolls-Royce.
This leadership transition highlights BMW's commitment to innovation while maintaining strong ties with local partners globally through its extensive network of technology offices.
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