Executive Shuffle: Chevrolet Gets A New Chief In Jim Campbell

GM’s Chevrolet division is getting new leadership: Jim Campbell, who joined GM in 1988, has been named general manager of the bow-tie brand, effective immediately. In his previous assignment, Campbell was responsible for GM’s fleet and commercial business.

Susan Docherty, GM vice president of Sales, Service, and Marketing had the following to say about Campbell:

Jim has a strong track record of building relationships and partnerships with dealers and customers, and deep Chevrolet experience. His energy, drive for results and willingness to take risks are great assets for leading the growing global Chevrolet brand.

From that, what stands out most are “results” and “willingness to take on risks,” principles that Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre is trying to re-instill in The General. According to GM, Campbell “played important roles in many product launches, including the Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo, Colorado, and Corvette.” He also held “various positions in field sales, retail incentives, marketing and customer relationship management.”

Campbell replaces Brent Dewar, previously vice president of the global bow-tie brand, who has “elected to retire effective April 1, 2010 to dedicate more time to his family and to pursue personal interests.” Until April Fools’ Day hits, Dewar will “work closely with Campbell to ensure a smooth transition at Chevrolet.”

Dewar was put in charge of Chevrolet in July by former CEO Fritz Henderson. It’s not clear whether Dewar’s departure is in any way tied to the colossal management restructuring undertaken by Ed Whitacre last week; in other words, we don’t know if the relationship between Dewar and his newly-appointed colleagues had anything to do with him leaving. Rumor on the block, however, is that GM has been offering buyout packages to some executives and managers, so perhaps Dewar took advantage of the opportunity after his 31 years with the company. Susan Docherty said the following about Dewar’s departure:

During his 31 years with GM, Brent made a difference in multiple assignments, including key roles in Brazil and Europe, launching the award-winning American Revolution campaign and applying his environmental passion to drive the very successful gas-friendly to gas-free marketing strategy. We respect his decision to retire early next year to spend more time with his family, and want to thank him for all his contributions. He will be missed.

The GM Authority Take

Look in any direction, and you’ll more than likely to see new management within GM. This means people who are new at their jobs, willing to learn, and – perhaps most importantly – yearning to succeed. I think this development is a good thing for the global Chevrolet brand and the rest of GM.

Check out GM’s full press release after the break.

PRESS RELEASE

Campbell named General Manager – Chevrolet

2009-12-09

Detroit – Susan Docherty, GM vice president Sales, Service and Marketing announced today that James M. Campbell, 45, has been named general manager – Chevrolet, effective immediately. In his previous assignment, Campbell was responsible for GM’s Fleet and Commercial Operations.

“Jim has a strong track record of building relationships and partnerships with dealers and customers, and deep Chevrolet experience,” Docherty said. “His energy, drive for results and willingness to take risks are great assets for leading the growing global Chevrolet brand.”

Before running GM’s Fleet and Commercial Operations, Campbell held various positions in field sales, retail incentives, marketing and customer relationship management.  He has played important roles in many product launches including the Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo, Colorado and Corvette.

Campbell, who joined GM in 1988, replaces Brent Dewar, previously vice president global Chevrolet.  Dewar has elected to retire effective April 1, 2010 to dedicate more time to his family and to pursue personal interests. Until then, Dewar will work closely with Campbell to ensure a smooth transition at Chevrolet and also will be on a special assignment supporting Mark Reuss, GM president North America, in his new role.

“During his 31 years with GM, Brent made a difference in multiple assignments, including key roles in Brazil and Europe, launching the award-winning American Revolution campaign and applying his environmental passion to drive the very successful gas-friendly to gas-free marketing strategy,” Docherty said.  “We respect his decision to retire early next year to spend more time with his family, and want to thank him for all his contributions.  He will be missed.”