Vauxhall Motors boss Nick Reilly has been promoted to one of the top jobs in General Motors. He is to take up his new role as vice-president sales, marketing and aftersales for GM Europe on August 1 but will remain chairman of Vauxhall.

Kevin E. Wale, executive director operations for GM Asia Pacific since 1998, has been named managing director of Vauxhall and will also become a GE Europe vice-president, serving on the manufacturer's strategy board.

In his new capacity, Mr Reilly - who has headed Vauxhall for five years - will work in the areas of sales performance, marketing, brand integration, product portfolio, aftersales and future orientation of the distribution network in support of GM's brands in Europe. He will also be responsible for GM's national sales companies while maintaining his overseeing role at Vauxhall.

Mr Reilly will continue as president of The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and remain chairman of IBC Vehicles in Luton.

GM Europe president Michael J. Burns, said: “Nick Reilly will bring his extensive knowledge of the European automotive industry into a wider role at GME and, at the same time, maintain a strong link with the UK and Vauxhall.”

Highlights of Mr Reilly's GM career include:

  • £300 million investment at Ellesmere Port in 1996
  • GM/Renault deal to produce new medium van at IBC
  • £100 million investment at IBC for new Frontera
  • £130 million investment at IBC for Vivaro
  • £200 million investment at Ellesmere Port for new Vectra