General Motors has named former GM Canada chief Steve Carlisle as senior vice president and president, Cadillac, replacing Johan de Nysschen, who is leaving the company immediately.
The automaker provided no details on why de Nysschen departed. He joined Cadillac from Infiniti in July 2014 having previously run Audi in the US.
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De Nysschen told Bloomberg he left amicably and declined to go into detail on what spurred his departure. “We agree to disagree and we move on,” he said. “There wasn’t a fight. Let’s call it philosophical differences.”
Bloomberg said, during de Nysschen’s nearly four-year tenure, Cadillac’s recovery efforts had been a mixed bag. Record global sales were expected this year largely due to China, where the brand has been among the fastest-growing in an expanding industry. But annual deliveries declined in all but one of the years under de Nysschen.
Another media report said his abrasive style and suggestions the dealer network could be reduced, boosting sales per outlet, had caused annoyance.
“We appreciate Johan’s efforts over the last four years in setting a stronger foundation for Cadillac,” said General Motors president Dan Ammann. “Looking forward, the world is changing rapidly, and, beginning with the launch of the new XT4, it is paramount that we capitalise immediately on the opportunities that arise from this rate of change. This move will further accelerate our efforts in that regard.”
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By GlobalDataCarlisle was most recently president and managing director of GM Canada, where he led a resurgence of the GM Canada franchise. In 2017, GM was number one in automotive retail sales in Canada, with Buick, GMC and Cadillac achieving their best ever sales years. Carlisle also reestablished key relationships in Canada with retailers, employees and government officials.
“The potential for Cadillac across the globe is incredible and I’m honoured to be chosen to be a part of mapping that future,” said Carlisle. “I look forward to building on our current momentum as we continue on our mission to position Cadillac at the pinnacle of luxury.”
Carlisle will report to Ammann.
Carlisle began his GM career in 1982 as an industrial engineering co-op student at the Oshawa truck assembly plant. Over the course of his career with General Motors, Carlisle has held several senior management roles which have taken him across the globe, including vice president, global product planning (2010-2014); vice president, US sales operations (2010); and president and managing director, Southeast Asia operations (2007-2010).
Travis Hester, currently vice president, global product programs, is named president and managing director, GM Canada, replacing Carlisle. The transition will begin immediately.
Hester brings extensive global management and global product development experience to his new role. Since 2016, he has headed the team responsible for balancing all aspects of vehicle development, including quality, cost, appearance, purchasing, customer acceptance and performance targets.
Hester will report to Alan Batey, president, GM North America.
Hester began his GM career in 1995 in Australia as a technical support engineer for GM Holden. He held a variety of positions in Australia before moving to the US in 2005. Since 2005, Hester has held engineering positions in both the US and China, including chief engineer for several global premium luxury vehicles, the Buick Regal, Buick LaCrosse and the Chevrolet Sonic. Hester became vice president, global product programs, in 2016.
