GM Names Chris Perry Vice President, U.S. Marketing

Leadership Changes also announced for Chevrolet, Buick and GMC

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Jan 18, 2011, 03:28 ET

DETROIT, Jan. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- General Motors today announced the following leadership changes in its U.S. marketing operations, effective February 1:

Chris Perry, is appointed vice president, U.S. marketing, replacing Joel Ewanick. Perry will report to Ewanick, who was named Global Chief Marketing Officer on Dec. 17, 2010.

Perry, 50, had served as U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Marketing, since September 2010.

Prior to joining GM, Perry was vice president, marketing, Hyundai Motor America. Perry also spent nearly 10 years at American Isuzu Motors, where he held a variety of marketing and advertising positions.

In his new role, Perry will have responsibility for improving the positioning of the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands and consumer consideration of GM vehicles in the United States.

Rick Scheidt, currently executive director, Chevrolet product marketing, is named U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Marketing, replacing Perry. Scheidt, 57, joined GM in 1980, and has held several marketing positions within GM, primarily with the Chevrolet brand.

In addition, in order to continue to build on the distinct brand positioning and increased customer focus of Buick and GMC, the following changes are effective February 1:

John Schwegman, currently U.S. vice president, Buick-GMC Marketing, is named U.S. vice president, GMC Marketing.

Schwegman, 46, began his career with General Motors in 1988. He has held numerous sales and marketing assignments, including positions at the former Pontiac and Saturn divisions and in General Motors Market and Industry Analysis. Most recently, he led the Marketing launches for Chevrolet's current generation full-size trucks brands.

Tony DiSalle, currently product and marketing director, Chevrolet Volt, is named U.S. vice president, Buick Marketing.

DiSalle, 46, began his career with GM in 1988. He has held several management positions, including key assignments at OnStar and within GM's marketing operations.

"These moves support our plans to continue building very clear and distinct swim lanes for our four brands, "said Joel Ewanick, Global Chief Marketing Director. "These individuals have great track records for leading very aggressive and creative marketing strategies."

About General Motors – General Motors Company (NYSE: GM, TSX: GMM), one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 209,000 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 31 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: 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 Russia. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation. More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.