Volkswagen has lined up BMW’s engine development expert Markus Duesmann (bio above) as the successor to Audi CEO Rupert Stadler, who was arrested last month on suspicion of interfering with a probe into the carmaker’s diesel emissions cheating scandal.
Duesmann leaves the post of head of purchasing and suppliers at BMW to join Audi’s management board. It is reported that he cannot officially take over as Audi CEO full time until Stadler permanently steps down. The long-time Audi chief has been temporarily replaced and is presumed innocent unless proven otherwise, VW and Audi have said.
“Mr Duesmann, currently board of management member for purchasing and supplier network at BMW AG, will take up his new position as soon as he is able to do so,” Volkswagen said in a statement.
Over in Munich, Duessmann has done his part. “As a consequence, the chairman of the supervisory board and Mr Duesmann agreed that Mr Duesmann will be relieved of his contractual responsibilities as management board member for purchasing and supplier network with immediate effect,” BMW said.
Prior to this, the most high profile defection from BMW to the Volkswagen Group was Herbert Diess, who in July 2015 became the head of the VW brand. Diess is now the CEO of the VW Group after succeeding Matthias Muller in April.
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Hmmm a lot of BMW people are leaving for other manufacturers.
No CEO no problem, accountants can produce cars, no creativity needed as all BMW look same