Alan Batey Succeeds Mark Reuss As Chairman And Managing Director of GM Holden

ALAN BATEY, currently Holden's Executive Director for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, has been named Chairman and Managing Director of Holden.

Batey, 46, succeeds Mark Reuss - Chairman and Managing Director since February 2008 - who will return to the United States to take on a senior but as yet unnamed product development role with General Motors.

Nick Reilly, GM Executive Vice President and President of GM International Operations, described Mr Batey as an ideal appointment.

“Alan brings extensive leadership experience, exceptional product and commercial knowledge and a real passion for Holden," Mr Reilly said today.

"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."

Previously Vice President of Commercial Operations for GM Daewoo since 2002, Batey, a member of the Holden Board of Directors, was appointed Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Holden in January 2006.

A long-time GM employee, Mr Batey began his career with General Motors in the UK, where he joined Vauxhall Motors in 1979 as a mechanical engineer apprentice.

Mr Reilly also pointed to the leadership of current Chairman and Managing Director Mark Reuss, 45, during GM's US Chapter 11 bankruptcy process as a major factor in Holden's secure role as part of the 'new GM'.

“He has played a pivotal role in ensuring it is an important part of the new GM. He achieved a great deal in a relatively short time and returns to a key role in GM where he will remain a strong friend of Holden," Mr Reilly said.

Alan Batey will take up his new role on September 1.

GM Daewoo has undergone top-end changes as well, with Mike Arcamone succeeding Michael Grimaldi as President and CEO.

“GM Holden and GM Daewoo will be in good hands with Alan Batey and Mike Arcamone. Both bring a wealth of experience to their new roles,” Mr Reilly said.

“They will be in charge of leading two important members of the GM family as both take on even more important global roles.”