GM plays Russian roulette with Holden chief

GM HOLDEN managing director Chris Gubbey has been given the opportunity of going to Russia and heading one of GM’s fastest-growing divisions, ending the shortest reign at the top in Holden’s history.

However, the likeable 51 year-old Englishman joked last night that he was “not being sent to the Russian Front because I’ve done anything wrong”, but was moving on because his experience working in an emerging market is required elsewhere.

Mr Gubbey’s six months at the helm of Holden will officially finish on February 1, when his seven years of experience heading GM’s Chinese operation will be applied to GM Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

His replacement will be 44 year-old American Mark Reuss, who is currently GM’s executive director of global vehicle systems and integration.

Unlike Mr Gubbey or his predecessor, Denny Mooney, Mr Reuss is described as “a car guy” and has a deep passion for cars and motor racing.

“Being a real product guy, I’m sure that Mark will be a great asset in a company – and a country – that truly loves its cars,” said Mr Gubbey.

Left: New Holden managing director Mark Reuss.

Mr Gubbey’s sudden departure means there will be an awkward handing-over period to Mr Reuss, who will not in Australia until mid-February at the earliest. The two will conduct the handover in a series of meetings in Detroit next week.

On the plus side, Mr Gubbey’s appointment to Russia can only aid Holden’s interest in selling the Statesman there as a replacement for the Chevrolet Caprice.

“I haven’t been on the ground there yet, but once I do get there I’ll be looking at every opportunity to expand GM’s presence there,” Mr Gubbey said.

GM Asia Pacific president Nick Reilly admits that the sudden replacement is unusual, but believes that Mr Reuss will be “the ideal replacement”.

“This is a fairly unusual move for GM,” said Mr Reilly.

“As a general rule, GM doesn’t move executives after such a short time, especially in such an important market as Australia, but Chris’s unique expertise in working within partnerships and in developing countries made him the ideal candidate to grow GM’s business in Russia at this critical time.”

Mr Gubbey described his six months in Australia as “a whirlwind experience”, with the launch of the VE Ute, the announcement of the Sportwagon, the Cadillac announcement, the start of Pontiac G8 production and the consequent return to full production at Holden’s Adelaide plant.

“Personally, I’ve got to say I’m actually quite sad to not be able to stay here in Australia,” he said last night.

“I was accepted here into the team very quickly. I found it a fairly exciting place to work. We’ve been doing a lot of things to move Holden forward, so on that side it’s quite disappointing, but on the other side it’s quite an exciting opportunity out there in a growth market.

“We did a lot of work on our medium and long-term strategic plan. I would have liked to have been here for the next two or three years and working with people on that.”

Mark Reuss joined GM in 1983 and has degrees in mechanical engineering and business. He has led various product organisations within the company during his 25 years and started the GM Performance Division in 2001.

And how much of an enthusiast is he? As well as holding a racing licence, Mr Reuss has the distinction of being a ‘Certified Industry Pool Test Driver’ at the Nurburgring’s famed Nordschleife circuit in Germany. We’re guessing he can drive a bit.

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