(Yicai) May 9 -- General Motors has named its vice president of global commercial operations as the new executive VP and president of GM China in a bid to speed up the electrification of the US auto giant's models in the country.

Effective June 1, Steve Hill will succeed Julian Blissett, who has decided to retire, GM China announced yesterday.

Hill has held leadership roles at GM across global marketing, sales, and aftersales, the Detroit-based company noted. He was VP of US sales, services, and marketing and global VP of customer care and aftersales.

“With his deep commercial acumen and focus on customers, Steve has a clear mandate to fully leverage the opportunity presented by accelerating the electrification of our portfolio in China and deploying new technologies," said Rory Harvey, executive VP and president of GM.

Blissett, who began his career at GM in 1996, led GM China through significant growth and change in the domestic sector, navigating the Covid-19 pandemic and making significant contributions to the company's success in the Chinese market, the company noted. 

“Julian has laid important foundations for GM in China, focusing on product competitiveness, technology, and strategic partnerships. His leadership has been crucial in our 27-year journey in this dynamic market,” Harvey said. 

GM has two joint ventures with SAIC Motor in China, with SAIC-GM operating under the Buick, Chevrolet, and Cadillac brands, while SAIC-GM-Wuling manages the Baojun and Wuling brands. GM has stayed committed to China, a significant source of its global profits, despite its market share shrinking from 15 percent in 2015 to 8.6 percent last year.

GM is focusing on new energy vehicles, including electric and plug-in hybrid autos, to meet demand, Chief Executive Mary Barra said at the recent Beijing Auto Show. It has debuted several new models in China, including the popular Buick GL8 PHEV and Chevrolet Equinox crossover, she added.

Editor: Martin Kadiev