Australia’s GM Holden Ltd. has a new president and general manager, Mike Devereux, previously president and managing director of General Motors Co.’s Middle East operations, based in Dubai.
Devereux, 44, replaces Alan Batey, 46, who earlier was appointed vice president-sales and service for Chevrolet in the U.S.
GM International Operations President Tim Lee says Devereux’s diverse, global experience and passion for cars makes him ideally suited to lead GM 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 says.
“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.”
Lee says Devereux’s most recent work in the Middle East is particularly important, as the region traditionally has been an important export market for GM Holden.
Devereux’s career with GM spans 26 years in Canada, the U.S. and the Middle East. He first joined the company in 1984 as an engineering student as part of the St. Catharine’s 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, followed by the role of launch manager for the ’00 Cadillac DeVille and subsequent director positions in e-Business and the global sales, service and marketing organization.
Born in the U.K., Devereux moved to Toronto with his family as a child. He holds a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering from the former General Motors Instititue and a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University.
