Kevin Wale, the president of General Motors China, is to retire, effective 31 October. His replacement will be Bob Socia, GM’s current vice president for Global Purchasing and Supply Chain.
As is the case with Kevin Wale’s responsibilities, Socia will also be responsible for the overall operations of GM divisions in India and the ASEAN bloc.
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“Kevin has been instrumental in strengthening our foundation in the largest vehicle market in the world,” Tim Lee, GM’s vice president of Global Manufacturing and president of International Operations is quoted as saying.
Wale, 57, began his GM career in Australia in 1975, where he held the positions of director of Finance and director of Sales and Marketing for Holden. In 1998, he moved to Singapore as the executive responsible for GM’s Asia Pacific operations. In 2001, he shifted to the UK, becoming chairman and managing director of Vauxhall Motors and vice president of GM Europe.
More recently, in 2005, Wale became president and managing director of the GM China Group, responsible for the overall coordination of GM’s extensive operations in Greater China. GM’s annual sales rose from 560,000 units in 2005 to 2.5 million units in 2011.
Bob Socia, 58, meanwhile, has worked in every GM region, having begun his career with Cadillac Division in Detroit in 1975.
“Bob has extensive experience leading global operations and global purchasing, and working directly with our joint venture partners,” said Lee. “His vast knowledge of our business around the world, combined with his ability to build and foster strong relationships and always put the customer first, makes him a perfect fit for this critical role.”
In his new position, Socia will report to Lee and remain a member of GM’s Executive Operations Committee (EOC). Socia’s successor in Global Purchasing and Supply Chain will be named in the near future.
Author: Glenn Brooks
