Brabus has announced three new appointments to its leadership team and additions to its board.
Stefan Ponikva has been appointed as chief marketing officer, Michael Küpferle has taken on the role of chief sales officer and Milica Umicevic is the new creative director.
Ponikva’s career more than two decades of experience in international brand management including a tenure at BMW where he led brand and marketing teams around the world.
“My goal is to create an even stronger pull effect for our brand by orchestrating digital and physical communication into emotional experiences and meaningful touchpoints,” he said.
“Throughout my years at BMW, leading global brand communication and experience teams, pushing boundaries in marketing and go-to-market concepts was always my top priority.”
My goal is to create an even stronger pull effect for our brand.
Stefan Ponikva
He added: “Based on this strategic vision, I look forward to boosting Brabus to the next level.
“Together with a fantastic team here in Bottrop, fostering creativity, innovation and collaboration.”
Küpferle worked for Brabus from 2006 to 2016 where he held several key roles, including managing director of Brabus Middle East in Dubai, followed by head of sales for the Brabus Classic division and regional sales manager for the Middle East.
Strong emotional appeal
“I believe my role at Brabus is to serve as the bridge between two essential worlds: the strong emotional appeal of the brand and the commercial success that fuels its growth,” he explained.
“I had the privilege of learning from the best salesman I’ve ever met, our late founder Prof. h.c. Bodo Buschmann, and his philosophy continues to guide our sales efforts today. Always stay close to the product, and even closer to the customer.”
He added: “My ambition is to elevate the revenue to similar heights as the brand, to create a ‘unicorn movement’ and to combine international best practices in pursuit of a sales strategy that sets new standards for our industry and underscores the unique DNA that has defined Brabus since 1977.”
Umicevic joins the board after previously overseeing VIP relations at Brabus since November 2023.
She will be responsible for the creative and artistic direction of the brand and will bring cultural- and design-relevant trends into the company.
