Carl-Peter Forster, GM group vice president and president, Opel Europe, will be leaving his role as head of European operations and will advise the company during the transition to find a new CEO, it was announced today.
With the departure of Forster, GM will initiate an immediate external search for a new CEO for Opel Europe and will work with Opel leadership, in consultation with representatives of the European Employees Forum, in moving forward with a plan that will build a strong and enduring future for the Opel/Vauxhall brands.
“The Opel brand has made tremendous progress under Carl-Peter’s tenure and leadership over the past several years,” said GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson.
“We thank him for his significant accomplishments and wish him only the best in the future. In the meantime, we’re confident that the key personnel leading Opel will stay focused on running the business during this time of transition. We expect to finalize our proposals for establishing Opel/Vauxhall’s future next week and will be engaging all stakeholders to see how we can best work together in achieving our mutual goals. We will update on our progress as soon as is possible.”
Henderson added that no other management changes to the Opel Europe organisation-which includes Vauxhall- are being considered at this time, and that all key management roles remain while the search for a CEO to lead Opel Europe commences.
“The past few years building the Opel brand has been a tremendous personal opportunity,” said Forster. “We’ve seen great strides in design, quality and technology and the launch of truly world-class products. It’s been an honor to be part of the history of Opel, and I wish all the people with the organization only the best in what I’m certain will be a great future.”
