GM’s head of US sales, Mark LaNeve, is resigning effective October 15 to pursue interests in another company outside of the auto industry.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
“Mark’s going to join another company to pursue an interest outside the auto industry,” GM CEO Fritz Henderson said during a conference call this morning.
LaNeve’s departure comes as GM grapples with falling US sales and the need to downsize its US dealer network.
Until GM replaces LaNeve, Jim Bunnell will continue to head GM’s dealership consolidation plans. Bunnell is executive director of sales operations.
LaNeve was appointed GM vice president of US sales on July 10, 2009. Previously, he had served as GM North America vice president vehicle sales, service and marketing since March 2005.
LaNeve, 50, began his career at GM, serving as brand manager for the Pontiac Bonneville and working for Cadillac. He left in 1997 to become vice president of marketing and later CEO of Volvo Cars of North America. He returned in May 2001 as general manager of Cadillac and became GM North America vice president of marketing and advertising in September 2004.
He was singled out as one of Ad Age magazine’s “Power Players” of the year in 2006.
“Mark has contributed significantly to GM in several key positions, including transforming the Cadillac brand and leading the vehicle sales, service and marketing organization during one of the most challenging periods in GM’s history,” GM said in a statement.
Henderson reportedly said that GM is open to bringing in outside talent to replace LaNeve.
