Shock as corporate chief Waldie leaves BMW

BMW corporate operations manager Alan Waldie has left the company. BMW (GB) managing director Jim O'Donnell described the departure as amicable and added: 'There has been no disagreement, there is no acrimony. He did a good job for BMW - our growth in the corporate sector has been excellent.'

Until a new appointment is made sales director Graeme Grieve will oversee corporate sales activity. The surprise departure comes at a time when BMW is set to launch a raft of new models over the next three years, starting in September with significant changes to its best-selling 3-series. Waldie was unavailable for comment.