BMW Bank strengthens leadership with Stephan Cohnen’s executive board appointment
BMW Bank has expanded its executive board with the appointment of Stephan Cohnen. The move took effect on 1 January 2026, following approval by the supervisory board. Cohnen brings extensive experience in financial services, IT, and customer operations to his new role.
Stephan Cohnen began his career as a consultant, specialising in IT and business transformation. After studying business administration, he joined BMW Financial Services, where he took on leadership roles in Germany, the UK, and Belgium.
Since January 2024, Cohnen had led BMW Bank’s customer service, processes, and IT division. His promotion to the management board reflects his track record in digital and operational improvements. The bank, which employs around 1,170 staff, serves roughly one million private and corporate customers across Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. BMW Bank provides a range of financial products, including financing, leasing, insurance, credit cards, and deposit accounts. Cohnen’s stated goal is to develop the bank into a modern, digital-first provider with a focus on customer service and streamlined processes.
The appointment strengthens BMW Bank’s leadership as it continues to expand its digital and customer-focused services. With branches in multiple European markets, the bank aims to maintain its position as one of Germany’s leading automotive financial institutions. Cohnen’s experience in IT and transformation will play a key role in this strategy.
