MUNICH -- BMW named former Audi executive Sebastian Mackensen as head of its Mini brand.
Mackensen, 43, will succeed John Goller, who has headed Mini since 2013, BMW said in a statement. Goller, 48, will move to China to take over responsibility for sales and marketing at the BMW Brilliance joint venture. Goller was previously BMW China's marketing boss before returning to Europe.
BMW hired Mackensen as Mini's sales boss in 2013 from rival Audi, where he oversaw sales in North and South America.
BMW is seeking ways to boost Mini's long-term profitability. The automaker is expected to discontinue three slow-selling Mini vehicles -- the Coupe, Roadster and Paceman – so it can concentrate on the three- and five-door versions of its core hatchback, the Countryman crossover and the Clubman station wagon.