Volkswagen has hired BMW purchasing director Markus Duesmann to fill the post of Audi chief executive.

Citing sources close to the Volkswagen group, German daily Handelsblatt said Audi wanted Mr Duesmann to start as soon as possible.

However, due to a competition clause in his contract, Mr Duesmann may be unable to take up the post for at least six months, Handelsblatt said.

BMW said on Monday that Mr Duesmann, who has been responsible for the car maker’s purchasing and supplier network since October 2016, would be leaving the company for personal reasons, Handelsblatt reported.

Audi is looking for a new chief executive after it suspended Rupert Stadler following his arrest in mid-June as part of a broader probe into emissions cheating at the premium brand, which is part of Volkswagen Group.

Audi named sales executive Abraham Schot as an interim replacement with immediate effect after Mr Stadler was detained. – Reuters