David N. Reilly, President, GM Europe and CEO, Adam Opel GmbH. Courtesy of GM

Detroit, USA - March 17, 2011

General Motors today named Karl-Friedrich Stracke CEO of Opel/Vauxhall, effective April 1, and announced its plans to nominate him to be Chairman of the Management Board of Adam Opel AG, adding significant management strength as the company’s European operations continue on their growth plan.

General Motors today named Karl-Friedrich Stracke CEO of Opel/Vauxhall. Courtesy of GM

Stracke succeeds Nick Reilly, who continues as the head of GM’s European operations and will be nominated to chair the Opel Supervisory Board.
In his capacity as CEO of Opel/Vauxhall, Stracke will report to Reilly.

Walter Borst, Chairman Supervisory Board Adam Opel GmbH, Promark Global Advisors, Vice President and CEO. Courtesy of GM

Walter Borst, President & CEO GM Asset Management and current Supervisory Board Chairman, continues to serve as a regular member of the Supervisory Board.

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt electric car with extended-range capability was named Green Car of the Year. Photo courtesy GM / Chevrolet Volt

“The European market and our European operations are important to General Motors, and these moves will ensure that we have the best leadership in place as we continue toward growth and profitability,” said Dan Akerson, GM chairman and chief executive officer.

Opel Ampera Photo courtesy Opel International

Stracke, 55, is a 32-year veteran of General Motors who has led global vehicle engineering for the last year and a half.

Opel Insignia ecoFLEX Photo courtesy Opel International

Under his guidance, GM’s engineers and technicians around the world led the way on developing cutting edge new vehicles and technologies, including the ground-breaking Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera electric vehicles with extended range.

Opel Insignia ecoFLEX Photo courtesy Opel International

Opel/Vauxhall’s latest launch products - Insignia, Astra and Meriva - are highly successful and have won more than 50 prestigious awards across Europe last year alone.

Opel Astra Photo courtesy Opel International

Later this year, the company will introduce highly anticipated new products including the Ampera and Zafira compact minivan.

Karl-Friedrich Stracke, CEO of Opel/Vauxhall (Effective April 1). Courtesy of GM

“I am excited to lead a company with such a rich German heritage at this time in its history,” said Stracke.
“Opel/Vauxhall has a great workforce and an exciting and innovative product portfolio. I’m looking forward to a thriving future.”

Opel Meriva Concept Photo courtesy Opel International

In addition to serving on the Opel Supervisory Board, Nick Reilly will also oversee Chevrolet and Cadillac in Europe.

Reilly joined GM Europe in November 2009 after running GM’s International Operations based in China for three years.

Opel Zafira Tourer Concept Photo courtesy Opel International

“We look forward to welcoming Karl-Friedrich Stracke home to Germany,” said Reilly.
“I am very pleased to have a leader of his experience, talent and engineering background running Opel/Vauxhall.”

John Calabrese, vice president, global vehicle engineering. (Effective April 1, 2011). Courtesy of GM

Stracke will be replaced by John Calabrese, executive director Global Vehicle Engineering.

Calabrese joined GM in 1981.
Since then he has held several key leadership positions in GM’s global engineering operations.


About General Motors


General Motors, one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908.

With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 202,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in more than 120 countries.

GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 30 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Baojun, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Daewoo, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall, and Wuling.

GM’s largest national market is China, followed by the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Italy.

GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.

More information on the new General Motors can be found at

www.gm.com  


Contacts

Dr. Susanne Wegerhoff
Vice President Opel/Vauxhall Communications
Tel.: +49 6142/7-77 338
Fax: +49 6142/7-54 442
susanne.wegerhoff@de.opel.com

Stefan Weinmann
General Director Opel Corporate and Internal Communications
Tel.: +49 6142/7-77 339
Mobile: +49 175/228 94 53
stefan.weinmann@de.opel.com

Klaus-Peter Martin
Tel.: 313-667-8180
Mobile: 313-522-6303
klaus-peter.martin@gm.com

Terry Rhadigan
Regional Communications
Tel.: 313-658-6801
terry.rhadigan@gm.com


Source: GM Corp.

http://media.opel.com/media/intl/en/news.brand_opel.html  

http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/news.html/  



ASTROMAN magazine