BMW North America CEO to retire Oct. 1, will be replaced by German exec

BMW North American CEO Jim O'Donnell

Say farewell to BMW North America CEO Jim O’Donnell. O’Donnell is scheduled to be replaced by veteran BMW executive Ludwig Willisch, who has led the automaker’s sales operations in Europe and Japan. Willisch will take over as CEO of BMW of North America on October 1.

O’Donnell, 61, will retire after holding the position since July 2008.

Willisch will come to the United States on Sept. 1 and will work alongside O’Donnell during the transition. O’Donnell will be leaving BMW in good shape in the United States.

The brand sold Mercedes-Benz last month to extend its lead as the top-selling luxury brand this year. It is also on track to outsell Lexus in the United States for the first time since 1997.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News