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Executive Reorganization Begins as GM Prepares to Sell South African Assets to Isuzu

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Michael Sacke

Isuzu Motors South Africa and General Motors on Tuesday announced that there are several changes taking place at the executive level as preparations are underway for Isuzu to purchase back its shares and assets currently held by General Motors South Africa. The sale of these assets is set to take place in January 2018, pending regulatory approval.

Ian Nicholls, the current President and Managing Director of General Motors Sub-Saharan Africa, will stay on that role but take on the added duties of President of General Motors Southeast Asia. Because his new position will see him relocating to GM’s offices in Bangkok, GM South Africa CFO Michael Sacke will, effective immediately, add on the duties of GM South Africa COO in order to oversee the transition of GM South Africa to Isuzu Motors. Once GM South Africa has been absorbed into Isuzu Motors South Africa, Sacke will take on the role of CEO and Managing Director of Isuzu Motors South Africa.

“We are very excited about the appointment of Michael Sacke as he has had a long association with Isuzu Motors, including serving as Board Member of Isuzu Trucks South Africa for the past nine years,” said Isuzu Motors Sales Division Senior Executive Haruyasu Tanishige. “He will play a key role in ensuring the successful transition of the South African operations to the new Isuzu Motors South Africa business.”

Tanishige will also take on additional duties, becoming the Chairman of Isuzu Motors South Africa while maintaining his position at Isuzu headquarters in Tokyo.

“We view South Africa as a key market for future growth and will be looking to maximize the benefits of integrating our light commercial and truck businesses together,” Tanishige added. “Our immediate priorities though will be to ensure the successful establishment of the company, while at the same time strengthening our support to customers.”

Isuzu KB X-Rider Production at Struendale

Other reorganizational moves include the appointment of Isuzu Trucks South Africa Managing Director Hiroaki Sugawara to the position of Executive Vice President of Strategy and Business Planning; the appointment of Isuzu Trucks South Africa COO Craig Uren to the role of Executive Officer, Sales, Service, and Marketing; and the appointment of Mitsuteru Yageta to the role of Group CFO.

It was also announced that the purchase process will not compromise the quality of production at the Struandale plant in Port Elizabeth.