GM names new leader for China after Q1 loss

General Motors is replacing the head of its operations in China as its sales and profits there tumble.

Steve Hill, vice president of global commercial operations, will take over as president of GM China on June 1, GM said late Tuesday. Hill succeeds Julian Blissett, who will retire after 28 years with the automaker, the last four heading GM China.

Hill will join the automaker's senior leadership team and report to Rory Harvey, president of global markets.

"Julian has laid important foundations for GM to continue to build on our 27-year history of success and growth in China, with his focus on the competitiveness of our products and technology, as well as our partnerships in the country," Harvey said in a statement. "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."

The leadership change comes after GM posted a $106 million first-quarter loss in China, which had been a consistent profit generator for most of the past 15 years. Sales there fell 8.7 percent to 2.1 million in 2023, allowing the U.S. to become the company's largest market for the first time in more than a decade.

GM CEO Mary Barra has talked about premium and luxury vehicles as a possible path forward in China. Although she has pulled GM out of some international markets where it has struggled to turn a profit, Barra last month said the automaker is committed to China long term.

Hill will be based in Shanghai. He previously led the Chevrolet brand and had prior roles heading U.S. sales, service and marketing, and Customer Care and Aftersales. He had oversight of U.S. sales operations, fleet and electric vehicle retail innovation as part of the commercial growth organization.

"I am excited and energized by this new role, where I can leverage my experience in building strong relationships with partners, driving sales, and developing world-class purchase and ownership experiences for our customers, in one of the most competitive markets in the world," Hill said in a statement.

Blissett said he intends to return to England to spend time with his family upon his retirement. He joined GM in 1996, working in engineering roles in Europe, and in 2014 became executive vice president of SAIC-GM, GM's joint venture with SAIC Motor Corp. in China. He was named senior vice president of international operations in 2019 and tapped to lead GM China a year later.

"It has been an honor to contribute to GM's success in global markets throughout my career and particularly in China," Blissett said in a statement. "I am confident that GM is positioned for growth and success in China."