New Holden boss named

General Motors has named Mike Devereux as the new Chairman and Managing Director of GM Holden. The 44-year-old, 26-year GM 'veteran's' reign is effective immediately.

President of GM International Operations, Tim Lee, announced the appointment this morning, saying Devereux's "diverse, global experience and passion for cars made him ideally suited to lead Holden in Australia and New Zealand."

"Recent leaders such as Mark Reuss and Alan Batey have set a very high benchmark in dedication to the people and products that define the famous Holden brand -- and Mike will be no exception," Lee said.

"Coupled with an absolute passion for cars, Mike brings rare experience across almost every area of the automotive business including manufacturing, product development and senior management roles in GM's international operations, marketing, sales and aftersales including the then newly formed e-Business group.

Devereux joins Holden from his previous position of President and Managing Director of GM Middle East Operations, based in Dubai. He succeeds Alan Batey, who held Holden's top job for just eight months before being appointed Vice-President of Sales and Service for Chevrolet in the United States.

Said Lee: "Mike's most recent outstanding work in the Middle East, which has traditionally been an important export market for Holden, makes him a strong advocate for his new home and the historical brand even before he steps on Australian soil."

Born in the UK but raised in Canada, Devereux joined GM in 1984 as an engineering co-op student at the St Catharines Engine and Foundry Complex within GM of Canada, in Ontario. He joined GM's Service Parts Operations International group in 1989 working in product development and sales and later was the launch manager for the 2000 Cadillac DeVille. He has also held director positions in e-Business and GM's Global Sales, Service and Marketing Organisation.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from the GMI Engineering & Management Institute and a MBA from Harvard University.

Holden sources stated Devereux arrived in Australia overnight and will spend the next week or so in a handover process with outgoing boss, Batey, before returning to the US for a short period. The new Holden boss is expecting to be Down Under full time from mid-April.

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