Holden has named Alan Batey, 46, as its chairman and managing director. He will take up his new position on 1 September, 2009.
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Batey – currently Holden’s executive director, sales, marketing and aftersales – succeeds Mark Reuss, 45, who has been appointed to a senior, as yet unnamed, product development role with General Motors based in the US.
Reuss has been Holden’s chairman and managing director since February 2008. He was previously executive director of global vehicle integration, safety and virtual vehicle development and has a GM career spanning back to 1983.
Nick Reilly, GM executive vice president and president of GM International Operations, said: “Mark’s leadership during what has been a tumultuous time for the auto industry, both in Australia and globally, has been outstanding. At a time when the industry has been in crisis and where the parent company has been through a Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, Mark has championed the interests of Holden at every turn.”
He added: “Alan brings extensive leadership experience, exceptional product and commercial knowledge and a real passion for Holden. He has worked for GM across four continents and brings crucial continuity of leadership for Holden in what is a highly competitive marketplace. It is strong endorsement of the Holden leadership team that the chairman and MD was able to be selected from within existing ranks.”
