Rolls-Royce today announces the appointment of Tom Bell as President and CEO of Rolls-Royce North America, a post he will hold alongside his current position as President – Defence. The appointment follows the decision of Marion Blakey to retire at the end of June after serving a three year term.

Chief executive Warren East said: “I am pleased to announce that Tom Bell will be leading the North American region. Our business in North America has gone from strength to strength and serves some of our largest customers. To support our ambitions in the region, we have made significant investments including at our facility in Indianapolis, where we are currently undertaking the largest single investment that Rolls-Royce has made in the US since we acquired the former Allison Engine Company over 20 years ago.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my personal thanks to Marion Blakey for her commitment and dedication to Rolls-Royce. She should be proud of the impact she has made in her tenure with Rolls-Royce.”

Rolls-Royce has been present in North America for over 100 years and currently employs more than 6,500 people across the North America region in 27 US states and six Canadian provinces. Its regional headquarters are located in Reston, Va., with major operations in Indianapolis, Ind.; Prince George Co., Va.; Aiken, S.C.; Oakland, Calif.; Walpole, Mass.; Moon Township, Pa.; Montreal, Canada; and, the NASA John C. Stennis Space Center, Miss.