MUNICH: A familiar face will make a return to BMW M GmbH.
With effect from Nov 1, Franciscus van Meel will assume the position as chairman of the board of BMW M GmbH. He succeeds Markus Flasch, who, after three years at the helm of the BMW Group subsidiary responsible for particularly sporty automobiles, will be changing to the Overall Vehicle Development division.
Between 2015 and 2018, van Meel had already led M, which bears the status of an independent automobile manufacturer. After he left M, he had worked on the Rolls-Royce product line as well as for the BMW luxury and upper class.
Van Meel brought the BMW iX to series-production readiness. He also headed development of the forthcoming purely electrically powered model variants.
His appointment as M head signals electrification is on the cards at the performance company, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2022.
As for Flasch, he will move on to his new posting as head of the Rolls-Royce production lines and well as handle the top BMW luxury range.
Flasch will move on to other meaty roles in the BMW Group.
