Tom Purves was CEO at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars from 2008 to 2010. Previously, he served as the Chairman and CEO of BMW for North America from 1999 to 2008. He was also Chairman and Regional Manager for the Americas. Tom’s extensive sales background, which includes successfully leading multi country sales... Read more
Tom Purves was CEO at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars from 2008 to 2010. Previously, he served as the Chairman and CEO of BMW for North America from 1999 to 2008. He was also Chairman and Regional Manager for the Americas.
Tom’s extensive sales background, which includes successfully leading multi country sales operations to increase revenue in an international and competitive climate. He has led famous global brands to post significant profits through periods of substantial economic grown and deep recession, exceeding corporate expectations time and again.
From 1999 to 2008, BMW sales in the USA grew 96% from 154,968 to 303,190 of which Mini sales grew from 0 to 54,000 in 7 years. In Canada, Mexico and Latin America, sales grew fourfold.
Tom’s notable innovations included the early use of sales promotions through event marketing and wholesales sales incentives in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf in the mid to late 70s. He also introduced live business TV by satellite at BMW in the 80s. He was the first person in the automotive industry to use internet communications on a substantially creative scale.
Earlier in his career, Tom was Managing Director, BMW (GB) and Sales Director for the Rover Group. He has repeated success in guiding sizeable, cross functional teams in the preparation and launch of new products, achieving record sales. He has created innovative marketing strategies and identified profitable new markets for growth and expansion.
Tom is an expert negotiator and ambassador able to forge solid professional relationships with strategic partners and build consensus across multiple organisational levels. In 2011 he became Visiting Professor of Management Practice at Canterbury and Christchurch University in Kent, and works with the careers department and the Business School at the University of Glasgow. He has vast experience both about the automobile industry and management, and is keen to share his experiences with others.
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You can book Tom Purves through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Tom's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
Tom Purves's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Tom tailored to your event.
Tom Purves speaks on a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Tom to align the content with your delegates and goals.
London Speaker Bureau can book Tom Purves for events worldwide, subject to Tom's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Tom Purves is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Tom can accommodate.
London Speaker Bureau will brief Tom Purves on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Tom can offer.
Tom Purves delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
Tom Purves's areas of expertise include a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. To get a clear sense of Tom's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
Tom Purves can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in a range of business, leadership and industry subjects is relevant. Details of Tom's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Tom Purves is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Tom Purves, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Tom's current availability for your dates.