Arvind Saxena retires from GM India; Kaher Kazem replaces him

Arvind Saxena has retired from GM India as President and Managing Director, bringing an end to his journey within 2 years in the company. He began his career in 1983 as an Area Manager in the Motorcycles and Scooter Division of Escorts Ltd. After that he moved to Bajaj Auto and was part of senior management at auto companies like Fiat India, Maruti, Hyundai, VW Group and Chevrolet.

Replacing Mr. Saxena, is Kaher Kazem w.e.f. January 1, 2016. Currently, he serves as the Chief Operating Officer of GM India. Prior to his Indian role, he was the President and MD of GM Uzbekistan. He has a proven track record of leadership at GM since he joined GM Holden Australia in 1995 as a senior engineer. Previously, he has also served as Vice President of Manufacturing and Quality for GM Thailand / ASEAN.

The new head honcho is stepping in at a time when the company isn't in a profitable situation nor seems to be on a verge of recovery anytime soon. In FY 2014, GM India recorded a loss of Rs. 3,847 crore - its biggest annual loss ever. Its accumulated losses stood at Rs. 6,552 crore.

Recently, it was reported that GM CEO Mary Barra came to India to review the company's progress and revival plan. GM's sales in India have fallen by 35% and its market share is down to 1.99% in FY 2015. Its domestic sales is roughly half of that of FY 2011. In FY 2014, the company commanded a market share of 3.23%. The first half of FY 2016 has already seen GM's sales fall by 41% (16,751 units).

Source: ET Auto