Alex Buckan Takes Over As Head Of BMW Design

Munich – Alexander Buckan will succeed Edgar Heinrich as the new head of BMW Motorrad Design, commencing on 1 January 2024. Buckan will oversee the design of all BMW Group two-wheeled vehicles, rider's equipment, and accessories. Edgar Heinrich, who has led BMW Motorrad’s Design division since 2012, is retiring after a 35-year tenure at the BMW Group.

“We are delighted to be able to present our experienced colleague and motorcycle enthusiast Alexander Buckan as the new head of BMW Motorrad Design,” declared Dr Markus Schramm, head of BMW Motorrad. “Alexander has already contributed a great deal to our motorcycle design as the manager of our design team – making him the ideal choice to lead and bring new impetus to BMW Motorrad Design,” added Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design.

Buckan initiated his career at BMW Motorrad as a transportation designer in 2003. Over the years, he has been in charge of various models, including the BMW F 800 GS, BMW G 450 X, BMW R 1200 GS LC, and BMW R 1200 GS Adventure LC.

In April 2015, Buckan was promoted to head of BMW Motorrad Vehicle Design. As the design manager, he collaborated with Edgar Heinrich on projects such as the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100. Buckan also led the design efforts for BMW CE 04 and BMW CE 02 e-scooters, along with the new BMW R 1300 GS, scheduled for its global unveiling on 28 September 2023 at BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin.

“We would like to thank Edgar Heinrich for his many years of outstanding service,” said Markus Schramm. “His enthusiasm for riding pleasure on two wheels has inspired countless fans around the world.”

Edgar Heinrich embarked on his BMW Motorrad journey in 1985, progressing to senior designer in 1992. By 2005, he held the position of head of BMW Motorrad Vehicle Design and, seven years later, assumed the overall role as head of BMW Motorrad Design. During his tenure, Heinrich significantly influenced the brand’s design language and spearheaded the creation of motorcycles that set industry standards. Notable models like the BMW R 1100 S sports boxer, the BMW K 1200 R naked bike, and the touring enduro icon, the BMW R 1200 GS, were conceived under his guidance. Heinrich also played a vital role in developing HP models, rally motorcycles, electric scooters, and the groundbreaking BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 design concept.

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