Holden Special Vehicles Chief Out

The man who calls himself the luckiest executive in the car industry and spent 19 years with Toyota Motor Corp. is out at GM Holden Ltd.’s Holden Special Vehicles unit after just 14 months.

In a terse announcement, HSV says Scott Grant has resigned as CEO effective immediately.

Grant was only the third CEO in HSV’s 21-year history, making the sudden departure all that more stunning.

“Scott will return to Sydney to pursue other career opportunities,” GM Holden says in a release. “HSV wishes to thank Scott for his contribution to the business over the last 14 months. Phil Harding will take over as CEO of HSV with immediate effect.”

Media speculation suggests a falling out between Grant and HSV Chairman Tom Walkinshaw may have precipitated the resignation.

Harding was managing director until Grant joined HSV. He then moved to Europe to handle HSV’s export business.