General Motors has announced that Matt Tsien will take over as president of GM China starting January 1, 2014, when current boss Bob Socia will retire after nearly four decades with the Detroit-based automaker.
Tsien, 53, who joined General Motors 37 years ago, is GM’s vice president of Planning and Program Management for China. In his new role, he will become a member of the GM Executive Operations Committee, reporting to chairman and CEO Dan Akerson.
“We expect Matt will extend our legacy of strong leadership in China,” said Akerson. “He has held significant leadership roles in the company, including several in China. Matt has a deep understanding of China’s automotive market and has worked closely with and built excellent relationships with our partners and joint ventures, which will help ensure a smooth transition.”
“We appreciate Bob’s 38 years of dedicated service and his significant contributions to GM in all of our regions,” said Akerson of Socia’s departure. “When Bob was appointed president of our largest market, our plan was for him to help prepare his successor. Matt is now ready to step into the role and we wish Bob the best in his retirement.”
“We expect Matt will extend our legacy of strong leadership in China,” said Akerson. “He has held significant leadership roles in the company, including several in China. Matt has a deep understanding of China’s automotive market and has worked closely with and built excellent relationships with our partners and joint ventures, which will help ensure a smooth transition.”
“We appreciate Bob’s 38 years of dedicated service and his significant contributions to GM in all of our regions,” said Akerson of Socia’s departure. “When Bob was appointed president of our largest market, our plan was for him to help prepare his successor. Matt is now ready to step into the role and we wish Bob the best in his retirement.”