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.