Susan Docherty Named GM VP, Int. Operational Sales, Marketing and Aftersales

General Motors is moving on with its rebirth plan, with the latest move being the appointment of Susan E. Docherty as vice president, International Operational Sales, Marketing and Aftersales.The move will become effective on June 1, and will see Docherty report to Tim Lee, president, GM International Operations (GMIO).

"Growth in China and other emerging markets is important to the company’s future,” said GM Chairman and CEO, Ed Whitacre.  “We are counting on Susan to make a significant contribution and I am glad to have her running this critical part of our business."

Almost half of GM’s new vehicle sales are perfected through GMIO, which consists of 90 markets including Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Most of the GMIO countries are considered emerging markets and are expected to drive the GMIO’s expansion over the next decade.

Docherty, 47, will coordinate sales, marketing and aftersales in GM’s Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East Russia and CIS operations. She will be responsible for market performance, and will have to improve the positioning of the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Holden and Cadillac brands.

Docherty, who most recently served as GM vice president of U.S. marketing, replaces Don Johnson, whose new position at GM will be announced soon.

“We are fortunate to have Susan joining us at this important time in GMIO’s history, as we focus on growth throughout the region” said Tim Lee. “She brings a wealth of sales and marketing experience with a fresh perspective to the way we approach our business.”