Batey denies 'brain drain'

There's no truth to the rumour they're installing a revolving door to the office of the MD at Fishermans Bend. In less than three years, the name on that door has changed three times -- and now it's time for yet another nameplate.

Just yesterday, Alan Batey's promotion from Holden MD to VP of sales for Chevrolet in the US was announced through GM's media channels. Batey follows Denny Mooney, Chris Gubby and Mark Reuss, all of whom have left Holden's top position since May of 2007.

Reuss himself announced Batey's elevation at a press conference held in the US and Batey then took part in a local phone hook-up with the Aussie press to explain the situation.

"You will have seen the release," he began. "I've gotta say that this has come as somewhat of a shock -- not just to you but also to me. This obviously has happened very, very quickly, as I only took up the responsibility of Chairman and MD here at Holden back in September 2009.

"To be really honest and frank with you, I've got very mixed feelings. Have absolutely had a fantastic time here at Holden over the last four and a half years and... It's been an honour to be the MD here and I've thoroughly enjoyed the last six months."

Mark Bernard, Chief Financial Officer for Holden, will step into the breach as acting MD while the company casts around for a permanent replacement. Batey anticipates his permanent successor should be named "within the next month". The call to arms for the new position came "very quickly" in Batey's own words. He was asked as recently as last week.

Obviously the human resources staff at the New GM are fleet of foot indeed.

It was put to Batey that staff turnover at Holden -- especially among senior staff -- could leave the company bereft of solid, long-standing experience for the greater benefit of the parent company in North America.

"I think it's true to say that Australia has always been a source of diverse talent that General Motors has leveraged," Batey responded. "A couple of examples of that would probably be [Mike] Simcoe heading up external design in North America and Kevin Wale would be another example, heading up GM in China, which is obviously the biggest growth market.

"So look, we've always been a provider of great talent to the world of General Motors and... it's one of the reasons why I believe Holden is so important from a sustainability perspective for General Motors -- because we do have great talent in all disciplines and that talent pool is very important to General Motors.

"Are we pulling out the best people? Here at Holden? When I stepped up to Mark's position, John Elsworth was able to step up into my sales and marketing position... so we really work hard on continuity and succession planning.

"I will be working between here and Detroit to make sure there is a seamless transition."

Since Reuss, an avowed fan of the local operation, and now Batey are in positions to influence high-level events within GM, the Carsales Network enquired as to whether any inference could be drawn from Batey moving into the Chevrolet division.

The 'bow-tie' brand is the GM division that will market and support the Holden-built Caprice for American police forces. Furthermore, Chev is the brand usually associated with rumours that the short-wheelbase VE platform ('Zeta') will make a return to the US market. And there's the Chev Camaro, underpinned by a modified Commodore platform.

In short, there's a lot of technical cross-pollination going on there already. Does Batey's new appointment (under former Holden MD Reuss) spell even closer links between Holden and Chevrolet? Will this speed the reintroduction of the Commodore to the American market -- but as a Chev this time, rather than a Pontiac?

"It's a little bit early to give you a definitive answer on that," Batey answered with a chuckle.

"I think though that I can tell you that I'm very passionate about the export opportunities -- I'm wearing my Holden hat now. I think our product has got a lot of opportunities in overseas markets.

"Of course, when I hit the ground and get a chance to get with the dealers and understand more about the market and the opportunities, I'll obviously be keeping Holden in mind -- knowing what capabilities and products we have here.

"We've always looked at Holden favourably... from a global perspective... [There's] work to be done, but if there's opportunities for Holden product that can enhance that portfolio and help us sell more cars, we'll obviously look at it really seriously."

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