GM India creates new leadership positions to drive long-term growth

General Motors India has announced some organisational changes aimed at creating new leadership positions as part of its long-term growth commitment to the Indian market.

“The new appointments further strengthen our commitment to the Indian market to offer class leading vehicles along with a truly satisfying ownership experience for our esteemed customers,” said Arvind Saxena, president and managing director, General Motors India.

GM Uzbekistan president and managing director Kaher Kazem has been appointed to the new position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) for GM India, effective August 1. In his new role, Kaher will manage the industrial side of GM India’s business.

Kaher joined GM Holden in Australia in 1995 as a senior engineer. He later held several leadership positions at GM Holden Manufacturing Operations. In 2009, Kaher was appointed vice-president (Manufacturing and Quality) for GM Thailand / ASEAN. Kaher has been overseeing the growth of GM Uzbekistan’s operations since 2012.

Hardeep Singh Brar has been appointed to the new position of vice-president of sales for GM India, effective July 1.

Hardeep had been with Volkswagen Group Sales India since 2012 as the head of network and dealer development. He earlier worked at Maruti Suzuki India since 1995, where he held the posts of general manager of institutional and rural sales; head of DGM – Dealer Development; Regional Manager, North; deputy manager of marketing; and territory sales manager of MSIL. He began his professional career at Pertech Computers in 1994.

Jack Uppal has been appointed vice-president of marketing and customer experience for GM India, effective August 1.

In his current position since 2013, Jack has been assisting GM executive vice president and president of GMI Stefan Jacoby. Since joining GM of Canada in 2001, he has also held important positions in sales, marketing, customer care, aftersales and network development in Canada and the Middle East. They include regional network development manager and regional advertising manager for GM Middle East Operations.

Kaher, Hardeep and Jack will report to Arvind Saxena, president and managing director, GM India. They will be based at the company’s Gurgaon headquarters with the exception of Kaher, who will be based at the Talegaon manufacturing facility.

In addition to the above announcements, Rajesh Singh, GM India Vice President of Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing, has elected to leave the company, effective August 1.