MINI USA Head of Marketing & Product Pat McKenna Retiring

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A driving force behind MINI USA and is retiring after a storybook career. Pat McKenna’s retirement marks the end of a career that saw huge success at both BMW and MINI. Pat’s also been a great friend to MotoringFile and the MINI community in North America often working tirelessly to make the products that enthusiasts connected to, readily available in the US. In many ways he was one of us and it was clear he was powered by the voice of the customer in both marketing and product roles.

His work began at BMW Group in 1997, where he first served as BMW Media Communications Manager and later as Department Head for BMW Marketing Communications. In his tenure with BMW, McKenna played an instrumental role in the development of the celebrated BMW Films series, now housed in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

He joined MINI USA in 2010, where his leadership helped drive product planning and marketing efforts, eventually overseeing a range of strategic functions. One of McKenna’s signature achievements was leading the launch of MINI USA’s industry-first e-commerce platform, an innovation that set a new standard in the automotive sector.

We’re incredibly thankful to Patrick for his leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions to the company over his 27-year tenure, and we wish him well in his retirement.

Mike Peyton, Vice President, MINI of the Americas.

MINI USA also announced today that Kate Alini will take on the role of Department Manager of Marketing, Product, and Strategy for the company, effective January 1, 2025. Alini’s appointment brings her back to MINI, where she will lead marketing initiatives, product strategy, and development across the U.S. market. Reporting directly to Mike Peyton, Vice President of MINI of the Americas, Alini steps into the position following the retirement of Patrick McKenna, whose 27-year career with BMW Group and MINI USA leaves a notable legacy in the automotive industry.

“We’re happy to welcome Kate back to MINI as the new head of marketing product planning and strategy for MINI USA, and we look forward to her experienced leadership in marketing and product planning to further grow and strengthen the MINI brand in the U.S.” said Mike Peyton, Vice President, MINI of the Americas. “We’re also incredibly thankful to Patrick for his leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions to the company over his 27-year tenure, and we wish him well in his retirement.”

We’re happy to welcome Kate back to MINI as the new head of marketing product planning and strategy for MINI USA, and we look forward to her experienced leadership in marketing and product planning to further grow and strengthen the MINI brand in the U.S.

Mike Peyton, Vice President, MINI of the Americas.

Alini arrives at MINI USA from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America, where she has served as Head of Client and Brand Experience since 2020, leading marketing, customer relations, and data analytics efforts for the luxury brand. She previously spent nine years with BMW of North America, LLC, where she oversaw product planning and guided social media and emerging technology initiatives for BMW marketing. Alini’s upcoming role is something of a homecoming, as she initially joined MINI USA in 2004 as Marketing Communications Manager. Before joining BMW Group, Alini held strategic roles at various marketing and digital agencies.

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