General Motors has appointed Jack Uppal as the new President and Managing Director of GM Africa & Middle East. The appointment is effective November 2022.
Uppal has experience with electrification, which is critical for GM as it pivots toward a future lineup of all-electric vehicles. He has held several leadership roles within GM in the past, including in sales, marketing and strategic planning in China, India, Singapore, the Middle East and his native country Canada. Uppal specifically focused on leading the way as Chevrolet transitions to an all-electric lineup in China, supporting vehicle distribution channels as well as product development and design. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) from University of Toronto with an emphasis in Finance and Marketing.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity as GM continues to lead the industry and reshape the face of mobility,” Uppal said in a statement. “I see so much growth opportunity for GM in this region. We also know our GM vision aligns with the ambitious and inspiring agendas of leaders and governments around the region and together we can make change for the better. I’m energized to be a part of this transformation and lead such an engaged and capable team.”
Current President and Managing Director, Luay Al Shurafa, will transition to take on the role of Vice President of Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing, at GM China and SAIC-GM. Al Shurafa will take the place of Mike Devereux, who will take up post as President of Digital for GM International and will return to the U.S.
“It has been an honor to lead this incredible team and business,” Al Shurafa said. “I am so proud of what we have achieved together, and I will be watching closely to see the team take GM Africa & Middle East to even greater heights in the future. The potential in this region is immense and I know this is just the beginning for where GM can go.”
Subscribe to GM Authority as we bring you the latest GM Africa news, GM Middle East news and ongoing GM news coverage.
Comments
I do not think the infrastructure in those areas will be able to support much of an EV market.
Good luck in a very tough assignment. EV promotion in the third world of Africa and the Middle East will be a challenge. Toyota will stay the course with offering IC’s. Arabs with all their oil will continue to purchase big IC vehicles. GM’s best bet is to keep on making Escalades, Yukons and Suburbans with IC engines for the money set in these areas. These big full size SUV’s are cash cows for GM.
This all in electric thinking is myopic. Follow what No.1 Toyota is doing. Gosh, every compact light duty pickup I see on the news in Africa and the Middle East seems to be a Toyota with the bed filled with bad actors and their firearms.