General Motors Co. has announced it is making changes to its product development team. In addition, it is creating a new role to oversee its global regions.

The changes are driven by the retirement of Doug Parks, GM executive vice president of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply chain. Mr Parks has seen a 40-year career at the firm.

GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra said: “We’ve spent years preparing GM to transition to an all-electric future, and Doug's leadership has been pivotal. We are grateful for his many contributions to GM's success."

The changes are as follows:

Ken Morris, currently vice president, Global Vehicle and Propulsion teams, will be promoted to senior vice president, Product Programs, Product Safety and Motorsports.

Mr Morris retains his current responsibilities leading global vehicle programs and will add global product safety, launch excellence and motorsports product development.

Josh Tavel, currently global vice president of Customer Care and Aftersales, will be promoted to senior vice president of Energy Storage and Propulsion, R&D, and Manufacturing Engineering.

GM also announced leadership changes to increase collaboration across its global markets.

Rory Harvey, currently executive vice president and president, GM North America, will move to a newly created role as executive vice president and president, Global Markets.

Mr Harvey will work with the global regional teams to bring the right vehicles, software and technologies to customers around the world.

Marissa West, currently president and managing director, GM Canada, will join the Global Markets leadership team as senior vice president and president, GM North America, reporting to Harvey.

GM chief Mary Barra added: “The changes we are announcing today will continue to drive technical excellence and deliver groundbreaking vehicles to our customers around the world.”

All leadership changes will take effect on 2 January 2024.