General Motors has appointed Marc Ebolo, a two-decade company commercial and product veteran, as Managing Director of GM Australia and New Zealand. He will take up the role from 1 November, while the man he replaces, Kristian Aquilina, will become Managing Director Cadillac International Operations and Cadillac Middle East and be based in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
GM says Ebolo would lead its operations across Australia and New Zealand for the newly-formed GM Specialty Vehicles (GMSV), Isuzu New Zealand and the Holden Aftersales operation for both countries.
The company says Ebolo’s deep experience in leading markets and working across sales, strategy and product planning in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia will be a significant asset through the launch and development of GMSV, as well as driving performance in the aftersales and Isuzu businesses.
Currently the Managing Director of Holden New Zealand, Ebolo will succeed Kristian Aquilina, who is moving to a new role in GM as Managing Director Cadillac International Operations and Cadillac Middle East in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
“GM continues to see significant opportunity in Australia and New Zealand,” said Steve Kiefer, GM Senior Vice President and President GM International. “We are confident that under Marc’s leadership, our GMSV business is ready to compete in key niche segments, including the Silverado light and heavy duty [truck], as well as the C8 Corvette, coming next year. I want to thank Kristian for his leadership through a period of significant transition in our business in Australia and New Zealand.”
Ebolo said that customers and partnerships were his main priorities stepping into the role.
“In Australia and New Zealand, we will work very closely with our key partners – the soon-to-be-appointed GMSV dealers, Holden service outlets, Walkinshaw Automotive Group and Isuzu – to grow our businesses and theirs,” said Ebolo. “I look forward to working with our partners and to bringing to Australia and New Zealand exciting new vehicles from GM’s global portfolio to compete in niche segments.”
Aquilina said he and Ebolo would work on a detailed transition to ensure continuity for teams, partners and customers.
“I am privileged to have worked with so many talented people who, among other things, have implemented a challenging but significant transformation of our business in Australia and New Zealand,” said Aquilina. “Now is the right time to hand over to Marc. I have every confidence that under Marc’s leadership, the team will be successful well into the future.”