Tag Archives: Kjell

Motorsport

Porsche North America’s New CEO Comes From BMW, Starts In November

Porsche has announced that Timo Resch, currently the vice president of customer, brand, and sales at BMW M, will be taking over as the CEO of Porsche Cars North America starting in November 2023. This comes after former CEO Kjell Gruner resigned in July.

Although Resch is currently working at BMW, he actually started his career at Porsche back in 1995 and has experience working with Porsche North America in the past. Transitioning to the top spot at Porsche will not be unfamiliar territory for him.

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Resch’s official title will be president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. Currently, the leadership responsibilities are being shared by Executive Vice Presidents Thierry Kartochian and Joe Lawrence. Kartochian is the chief financial officer, while Lawrence serves as the chief operating officer. They have been helming Porsche North America since Gruner’s departure in July.

No official reason was given for Gruner’s resignation, but he recently joined EV automaker Rivian as the chief commercial officer and president of business growth. Gruner had served as the CEO of Porsche North America for over two years, taking on the role in 2020 after being the vice president since 2010.


Motorsport

Porsche US Ex-CEO Might Join Rivian, Reports Say

According to sources familiar with the matter, Kjell Gruner, the former CEO of Porsche Cars North America, is expected to join electric vehicle startup Rivian in an undisclosed role, as reported by Automotive News Europe.

Last week, Gruner left Porsche USA “at his own request” after holding the position for less than three years. During his tenure, he successfully navigated the German sports car manufacturer’s American business through the pandemic and positioned the brand for a record-breaking year in terms of sales. Dealers are projected to sell 80,000 units next year, representing a nearly 15 percent increase compared to 2022.

Prior to his role as CEO in the United States, Gruner served as the vice president of marketing for the parent company Porsche AG starting in 2010. He also held the position of director of strategy at Mercedes-Benz Cars before that.


Motorsport

Porsche North America CEO Kjell Gruner Departs from Company

Porsche Cars North America President and CEO Dr. Kjell Gruner will be leaving the company, announced the automaker this week. He will officially depart on July 6, and Porsche has not yet named his successor. The company plans to make an announcement in the near future.

In the meantime, Porsche Cars NA COO Joe Lawrence and CFO Thierry Kartochian, both vice presidents, will take the lead in running the business. The reason for Gruner’s departure has not been disclosed by Porsche, and Motor1.com has reached out to the automaker to inquire further. This story will be updated if any additional information becomes available.