DETROIT (AP) — General Motors says the head of its operations in China, India and Southeast Asia is retiring.
Kevin Wale will step down Oct. 31. He'll be replaced by Bob Socia (SO-Sha), who is now head of global purchasing.
Wale is 57 and has been with GM since 1975. The company credits him with making GM a leader throughout Asia. He has served as president and managing director in China since 2005. GM says during his tenure, annual sales grew from 560,000 vehicles to 2.5 million last year.
Socia is 58 and has worked with GM in every region around the world. He also has been with the company since 1975.
GM has faced several executive departures recently. The heads of marketing and European operations both were ousted earlier this year.
