Kaher Kazem to lead GM India, Arvind Saxena to retire from January 1, 2016

General Motors announced today that Kaher Kazem(pictured), chief operating officer (COO) of GM India, has been appointed president and managing director of GM India, effective January 1, 2016.

“With Kaher’s hands-on experience and direct knowledge of the business, we are pleased to appoint him to lead GM India at this important time,” said GM executive vice-president and GM International president Stefan Jacoby. “GM is committed to India for the long term. Kaher’s proven track record will enable us to deliver to Indian consumers the great vehicles they want and the world-class customer experience they deserve.”

Kazem joined GM Holden in Australia in 1995 as a senior engineer. He later held several leadership positions at GM Holden Manufacturing Operations. In 2009, he was appointed vice-president of Manufacturing and Quality for GM Thailand/ASEAN.

Prior to taking on his current position earlier this year, where he has managed the industrial side of the business, Kazem was president and managing director of GM Uzbekistan from 2012.

Kazem will succeed Arvind Saxena, who has decided to retire from GM, after leading GM India since early 2014.

“I want to thank Arvind, who has helped lay the foundation for the future success of GM India,” said Jacoby. “We look forward to a smooth transition to ensure the continued execution of our business transformation.”