GM Canada names new president

General Motors Co. appointed Kristian Aquilina, current GM Canada vice president, vehicle sales, service and marketing, to GM Canada president and managing director, effective immediately, the Detroit automaker said Monday.

Aquilina will report to Marissa West, who was recently appointed senior vice president and president, GM North America. West was previously president and managing director of GM Canada.

“It’s an exciting time to step into the role of president and managing director as GM Canada enters 2024 with incredible growth across the entire business,” Aquilina said in a statement. “I look forward to collaborating with our employees, our strong network of Canadian dealers and our many other community and industry partners across the country. Together, we’ll unleash even more opportunities for GM Canada to lead during this period of historic transformation.”

Aquilina joined GM Canada in 2023 as vice president of vehicle sales, service, and marketing. Under his leadership, GM Canada led the industry in total market share and total sales for 2023 — the first time since 2009.

Prior to joining GM Canada, Aquilina was the managing director of Cadillac International Operations and Cadillac Middle East. He also served as chairperson and managing director for GM Holden in Australia and New Zealand.  

khall@detroitnews.com

@bykaleahall