GM Revamps Product Development Team

General Motors said it's revamping its product-development team and establishing a new position for global region management.

According to a press release, the moves aim to streamline the organization, expedite new-vehicle and technology programs, and accelerate go-to-market programs.

The realignment is driven by the retirement of Doug Parks, executive vice president of global product development, purchasing and supply chain, after a nearly 40-year career at the company. Parks joined GM in 1984 and oversaw development of multiple vehicles across all brands and regions, including creation of its current generation of electric vehicles.

“We’ve spent years preparing GM to transition to an all-electric future, and Doug's leadership has been pivotal. We are grateful for his many contributions to GM's success,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra in the statement. “The changes we are announcing today will continue to drive technical excellence and deliver groundbreaking vehicles to our customers around the world.”

Changes include shifts in global product-development leadership, including promoting Ken Morris from vice president, Global Vehicle and Propulsion teams, to senior vice president, Product Programs, Product Safety and Motorsports. Morris will maintain his current responsibilities overseeing global vehicle programs while assuming new duties in global product safety, launch excellence, and motorsports product development.

GM also named Josh Tavel, currently global vice president of Customer Care and Aftersales, to senior vice president of Energy Storage and Propulsion, R&D, and Manufacturing Engineering. The role will integrate GM's products and processes in key areas to advance its electrification strategy, the company said.

GM also announced global market leadership changes to increase collaboration across markets.

Rory Harvey, currently executive vice president and president, GM North America, will move to a newly created role as executive vice president and president, Global Markets. Harvey will coordinate with global regional teams to deliver suitable vehicles, software and technologies to customers worldwide.

Marissa West, currently president and managing director of GM Canada, will become senior vice president and president of GM North America, reporting to Harvey.

All leadership changes are scheduled to take effect on Jan. 2.