Disclaimer: I have not read every response on this thread.
AMG products have been vastly improving in terms of handling for the past several years. BMW M products, well, not so much, although to be fair they are the benchmark.
BMW M is clearly going the route of forced induction and no manuals anyway, so I really doubt this hire will affect their direction. I find this sad, but it appears inevitable.
I think the guy has talent and and look forward to his input.