BMW names former head of US ops to lead Rolls-Royce

FRANKFURT: Automaker BMW AG said on Tuesday that Tom Purves was named chief executive of its Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd, giving him oversight and responsibility for the luxury car maker's production, sales and marketing.

Purves, 59, will start July 1 and comes to the Goodwood, England-based automaker from BMW US Holding Corp, where he has been chairman and CEO since 1999.

Jim O'Donnell, 58, will take Purves' spot at BMW US Holding on the same day, leaving his position as president of BMW of North America LLC. His new job means he will also be regional manager for the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina.