BMW's U.S. chief appointed as Rolls Royce CEO

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James Martinez April 22nd, 2008

By James Martinez Author April 22nd, 2008

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December 31st, 1969 BMW and its subsidiaries have had a bit of a management reshuffle with the biggest change being the appointment of the carmaker’s U.S. chief, Tom Purves, as the new CEO of Rolls-Royce. Purves, 59, will start his new role on the first of July, succeeding Ian Robertson, 49, who is replacing the departing Stefan Krause as BMW’s head of sales and marketing. Purves actually started his career in the automotive industry at Rolls-Royce where he was an apprentice engineer. He first joined BMW back in 1985 as the sales director of the carmaker’s British operation and has headed its North American team since 1999. Before starting his U.S. job Purves also had brief stints at Land Rover, Mini, MG and Rover. Taking up the top job at BMW in the U.S. will be Jim O'Donnell, who has been with the group for more than 17 years. Before joining BMW Group, O'Donnell held various positions at Ford.

BMW's U.S. chief appointed as Rolls Royce CEO

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BMW and its subsidiaries have had a bit of a management reshuffle with the biggest change being the appointment of the carmaker’s U.S. chief, Tom Purves, as the new CEO of Rolls-Royce. Purves, 59, will start his new role on the first of July, succeeding Ian Robertson, 49, who is replacing the departing Stefan Krause as BMW’s head of sales and marketing.

Purves actually started his career in the automotive industry at Rolls-Royce where he was an apprentice engineer. He first joined BMW back in 1985 as the sales director of the carmaker’s British operation and has headed its North American team since 1999. Before starting his U.S. job Purves also had brief stints at Land Rover, Mini, MG and Rover.

Taking up the top job at BMW in the U.S. will be Jim O'Donnell, who has been with the group for more than 17 years. Before joining BMW Group, O'Donnell held various positions at Ford.

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