After around one year and a half only, Tom Purves leaves the CEO position at Rolls-Royce. Back on July 1st of 2008, he had moved on to the position at a respectful age of 59. Why does that mater? Well, BMW has a rule for the whole company and subsidiaries that the retirement age for high executives is 60. At the time that he was named, Torsten Mueller was named commander-in-chief. We know understand the plan…

Mueller is a longtime member of the BMW Group’s senior management, having worked for the German automaker for the last 20 years. He’s not to be mistaken for virtuoso bassist player Torsten Mueller from Canada. Mr. Muller has been occupied, in the last years, with BMW’s global product management. That sounds fancy, but it has the word “product” in it so you can figure it out that it was no light job for the executive. Back in 2000 he headed the Mini revival operatio, which we all know is a big succes (take a look at the new Mini “crossover”!).

Mueller is going to officially begin his role of luxury brand Rolls-Royce CEO at the end of March 2010. That is also when veteran executive Tom Purves will retire after 25 years service within the BMW Group.

Press release included below, take the time to read it if you’re interested in the subject.

Tom Purves is retiring from Rolls-Royce CEO position

Rolls-Royce welcomes Torsten Mueller as new CEO