GM names Tim Lee head of international operations

[December 07, 2009]  SHANGHAI (AP) -- General Motors Co. said Monday it has appointed Tim Lee, its vice president for global manufacturing and labor relations, to head its international operations, part of a shakeup that last week saw the departure of Fritz Henderson as CEO.

Like his predecessor Nick Reilly, Lee will be based at GM's international headquarters in Shanghai, the company said in a statement. Reilly has been named president of GM Europe.

Lee will be overseeing GM's Asia, Latin America, Africa and Middle East operations.

"I look forward to the challenge of building GM's business in the world's key emerging markets as well as many important mature markets. I also look forward to ongoing successful collaboration with our partners," Lee said in a statement.

The appointment is part of leadership changes announced by GM Chairman Ed Whitacre, who has replaced Henderson -- after he had served just eight months as CEO -- until a new chief executive if found.

Last week, GM and its main Chinese partner, Shanghai Automotive Industries Corp., announced a venture to sell vehicles in India, a deal that involved GM giving up majority ownership in its biggest China joint venture.

The two companies plan to collaborate in future efforts to sell vehicles in other emerging markets such as Southeast Asia.

GM has enjoyed huge success in China in recent years in its partnership with SAIC, and the move appeared to reflect the American automaker's need for money as it overhauls its operations following a restructuring in U.S. bankruptcy court.

[Associated Press]

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