Lowell Paddock appointed GM India President & MD

Lowell Paddock has been appointed President and Managing Director of General Motors India, effective January 1, 2012. He will succeed Karl Slym, who moves to GM's largest operations in China as Executive Vice President of SAIC and Wuling Motors, which manufactures a growing lineup of mini-commercial vehicles and passenger cars. Based at GM India’s headquarters in Gurgaon, Paddock will oversee GM’s operations across India, including its manufacturing facilities in Halol, Gujarat, and Talegaon, Maharashtra, as well as its joint venture with Chinese automaker SAIC. “We are pleased to have someone with Lowell’s vast experience heading our rapidly expanding operations and the growth of the Chevrolet brand in one of the world’s most important vehicle markets,” said GM International Operations (GMIO) President Tim Lee. “His background provides a perfect fit with what we aim to accomplish in India.” Paddock has held several important posts in product planning and program management in his home country of the United States, Europe and Asia since joining General Motors in 1992. His previous positions include Director of Portfolio Planning at GM Europe, Vice President of Planning at GM Asia Pacific, and Executive Director of Planning and Program Management at GM’s Shanghai GM joint venture in China. Since September 1, 2009, Paddock has served as GMIO Vice President of Program Management and Planning, where he has had oversight of GM’s product lineup in Asia Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. He also serves on the Boards of Directors of the GM-AvtoVAZ joint venture and GM Korea. Karl has held the post of President and Managing Director of GM India since October 1, 2007. “We thank Karl for his important contribution in India in improving market share, launching successful products like Cruze and Beat, commissioning the new car manufacturing and engine plants and expanding the dealer and supplier footprints, said Tim Lee. Karl has played a key role in the growth of GM’s business and helped the company emerge as the 5th largest automobile manufacturer in India during his tenure. He has put GM in a strong position for continued success in a market that we have made a global priority,” added Lee. In his new position, Karl will play a key role in GM’s ongoing growth in the world’s largest vehicle market in China and a market in which GM is the global industry leader. Karl will remain a member of the GMIO leadership team.