In another top executive move at GM this week, Stephen Carlisle, formerly vice-president of Global Product Planning and Program Management (left), has been named president and managing director of GM Canada.

Carlisle succeeds Kevin Williams who has been in the role since 2010, but who is retiring from the carmaker at the end of the year. Until then he will assist the company in the transition.

Williams joined GM in 1983 and has held a number of senior roles for the company around the globe in manufacturing, supplier quality and development, and purchasing. Before taking up the role as head of GM Canada, Williams was vice-president and general manager, Service and Parts Operations, where he led all of GM’s global aftersales businesses.

"I'd like to thank Kevin for his leadership and significant contributions throughout a long and distinguished career with GM," said Mary Barra, GM CEO. "In his most recent assignment, Kevin helped rebuild GM Canada after one of our most challenging periods, and has established a solid foundation for growth into the future."

Carlisle, meanwhile, has held positions as vice-president, US sales operations, responsible for the dealer network, retail sales support, and fleet and commercial. He was also president and managing director, GM South East Asia Operations, in addition to leadership positions in Singapore and China.

“I’m honoured to have the opportunity to return to Canada and build on the winning foundation established by Kevin and the team over the past four years,” said Carlisle.

There have been a number of executive moves at GM this week, including the announcement that Grace Leiblein has moved to become vice-president, Global Quality.