New Holden boss

The Volkswagen boss from India is being parachuted straight into the top position at Holden in Australia.

After months of uncertainty, during which Mike Devereux extended his time as president of Holden despite a new GM appointment in Singapore, Gerry Dorizas has been named as his successor.

He arrived on March 1 with more than 20 years experience with a range of brands including Fiat, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and Volkswagen. But, perhaps tellingly, not General Motors.

The outside hiring shows GM is looking to inject fresh blood into the company, but could also reflect a reluctance of company insiders to take on the job at Fishermans Bend.

The man who hired Dorizas, Stefan Jacoby, is himself an ‘outsider’ despite his position as a GM executive vice-president and head of GM International Operations.

“Gerry has the right industry-leading experience and credentials to lead GM Holden through a significant program of change, as it transitions to a national sales company,” Jacoby says.

“GM International Operations is undergoing a transformation that is committed to driving our markets toward success.”

Dorizas is making the predictable positive sound bytes on Holden.

“Around the world, Holden is renowned for the strength of its product and professionalism of its people,” Dorizas says.

“I am energised by the opportunity to lead a talented and passionate team and to guide one of Australia’s strongest, most iconic brands into its next phase.”