Middle East growth prompts General Motors regional reorganization

Effective April 1st, 2004, Stevan (Steve) Koch, General Motors Latin America, Africa and Middle East (LAAM) Vice President will relocate the regional office for Africa and Middle East (AMO) from Cairo, Egypt to Dubai, UAE. AMO consists of sales, service and marketing operations in over 40 markets in Africa and the Middle East as well as GM's manufacturing plants in Egypt, Nigeria, Tunisia and Kenya.

At the same time, Terence (Terry) Johnsson is appointed Managing Director, Middle East Regional Operations effective May 1, 2004. Terry will be responsible for all operations in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE and Yemen, leading the team in Dubai, and reporting to Steve Koch.

"These are significant moves reflecting the rapid growth of our business in the Middle East region," explained Steve Koch. "General Motors with its full line up of vehicles, ranging from the Chevrolet Aveo to the Cadillac XLR, is looking to achieve sales of 100,000 units by 2005 and Terry Johnsson's experience will be integral to us achieving that target."

Prior to moving to Dubai, Terry Johnsson was responsible for Asia Pacific Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing, located in Singapore. An automotive veteran with over 20 years of experience, he began his career with GM in Detroit in 1983. Terry has held a variety of positions in the United States, Europe and Asia Pacific. These include leadership roles in European product strategies, in Germany regional zone operations, and in country startup and general management responsibilities for Taiwan and Indonesia.

He is an Australian citizen and holds a Masters of International Business from the University of South Carolina, USA.