Franz Josef Popp

Franz Josef Popp was the founder of BMW AG and the First Managing Director of BMW AG from 1922 to 1942, one of the three people in charge of the company. A number of different candidates have been put forward as the "founders" of BMW AG. Without Karl Rapp, Gustav Otto, Max Friz or Camillo Castiglioni, the company would probably not have been born. However, one could argue that Franz Josef Popp was the main force in the development of the company we know today. He became the General Manager of the company from its establishment until he had to relinquish his position in 1942.