WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. -- Edward A. Robinson has been named chief executive officer for the BMW Financial Services, Americas Region, covering all operations in the U.S., Canada and Latin America, effective April 1. Robinson will assume duties handled by John Christman, who upon completion of a transition period, will take an international assignment with the BMW Group.

Robinson has been executive vice president of operations for BMW of North America, LLC, responsible for sales of automobiles and sports activity vehicles, dealer development activities and field operations in the company's four U.S. regions since June 2002.

Since joining BMW of North America in 1979, Robinson has served in a variety of positions including sales, service marketing and field operations. He was president and CEO of BMW Canada, Inc. from 1992 to 1997, and was instrumental in establishing its financial services division in 1994.

"BMW Financial Services will be introducing new products to customers and is poised for continued growth in the years ahead," said Georg Bauer, CEO of BMW Financial Services worldwide. "Robinson brings to Financial Services significant experience from the automotive side of the business which will be invaluable to our future growth and strategic development."