Veteran Marketer to Lead Opel Australia Launch

European industry veteran William Mott is named managing director to lead the launch of the Opel brand in Australia.

Mott, who takes over at Opel Australia on Nov. 1, has spent most of his career in Europe and the past 16 years with Opel, most recently as group marketing manager-mini and small cars at Russelsheim, Germany.

Opel International Operations Executive Director Michael Klaus says Mott brings in-depth marketing and international experience to Opel Australia.

“Bill’s current portfolio includes Corsa and new-generation Meriva, and he has excellent international experience leading marketing functions in Germany, Switzerland and Portugal,” he says.

Mott will report directly to Klaus and work closely with GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux.

Part of GM’s International Operations structure, Opel Australia will be located with sister brand GM Holden at its Port Melbourne headquarters in the state of Victoria and will launch in the second half of 2012.

Some Opel models previously have been sold in Australia under the Holden label.

Mott was born in Norway and has a master’s in business administration from the American Graduate School of International Management.

Meriva part of new Opel Australia chief’s marketing portfolio.