Since former CEO Kjell Gruner stepped down in July, Porsche has been without a dedicated leader in North America. However, the company has announced that Timo Resch will take over as CEO in the coming months.
Resch is currently BMW M’s vice president of customer, brand, and sales. He also worked for BMW Motorrad, the automaker’s motorcycle division. Coincidentally, his career began with Porsche in 1995. He worked for Porsche North America in the late 2000s, so the transfer to the company’s top role will be familiar to him. His formal position will be president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America starting in November this year.
Since Gruner’s abrupt resignation in early July, executive Vice Presidents Thierry Kartochian and Joe Lawrence currently split the roles of President and CEO. Lawrence is the automaker’s chief operating officer, while Kartochian is its chief financial officer.
According to LinkedIn, Gruner, is now the chief commercial officer and president of business growth for EV automaker Rivian, effective this month. He has been the CEO of Porsche North America for nearly two years, having been promoted from vice president in 2020.
“We are delighted to welcome Timo Resch back to Porsche and to one of our most important regions,” said Detlev von Platen, member of the executive board for sales and marketing at Porsche AG, in a statement. “He is already very well acquainted with Porsche and the US market. With the expertise that he brings from his previous positions, he will further strengthen the Porsche brand presence in North America and provide important impetus for future development.”