GM names Susan Docherty GM VP of International Operations, Sales and Marketing

Susan Docherty is continuing her tour of General Motors' vice president offices. The 47-year-old executive has spent time both as the company's vice president of U.S. marketing and the VP of U.S. sales during her career with the Detroit-based automaker, but as of June 1, 2010, Docherty will get the new title of Vice President of International Operational Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, and she'll report to Tim Lee, President of International Operations.
We knew Docherty was headed elsewhere in the company after she was replaced as the vice president of U.S. marketing by Joel Ewanick earlier this month. Shortly after her replacement was announced in early May, several observers claimed that Docherty had been given the shaft after a wave of contentious ads centering on GM repaying its federal loans hit the airwaves. Analysts felt that Docherty was unfairly receiving the brunt of the blame for the negative reception of the ads, and that was the real reason for her loss of the marketing position.

We won't hold our breath waiting for GM to respond to those charges. Either way, moving from VP of marketing to VP of international operational sales isn't exactly a fall from grace. Hit the jump to read the full press release.

[Source: General Motors]

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Susan E. Docherty Named GM Vice President, International Operations Sales, Marketing and Aftersales
2010-05-24

DETROIT/SHANGHAI – General Motors today announced that Susan E. Docherty has been appointed GM vice president, International Operational Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, effective June 1. Docherty, 47, will 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."

GM sells almost 50 percent of all new vehicles within GMIO, which is comprised of more than 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 an engine of GMIO growth over the next decade.

Docherty's role in the region will be to coordinate sales, marketing and aftersales in GM's Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Russia and CIS operations. She will have responsibility for market performance, improving the opinion and consideration of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Holden and Cadillac brands to drive consumer demand for GM vehicles.

"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 Lee. "She brings a wealth of sales and marketing experience with a fresh perspective to the way we approach our business."

Docherty replaces Don Johnson, vice president, International Operational Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, 53, whose new position at GM will be announced soon.

Most recently, Docherty was GM vice president of U.S. marketing. Previously she served as GM vice president, U.S. Sales, Service and Marketing, responsible for improving year-over-year sales performance, reducing incentive spend, improving residuals as well as marketing and advertising for the company's vehicle brands. She was also responsible for GM's relationship with dealers and numerous Dealer Councils. Docherty has extensive sales, service and marketing experience, having held positions with responsibility for Canada, the U.S., and abroad. Most notable is her brand work, including the launch of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse and GMC Terrain.

"Susan has given her all to GM for many years," said GM president North America, Mark Reuss. "She has set the foundations for our future in North America and takes significant domestic and international experience and expertise to her new position. We wish her every success."

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