Rajeev Chaba is GM India helmsman

General Motors Asia Pacific today announced the appointment of Rajeev Chaba as president and managing director, GM India, effective June 1, 2005.

Chaba will replace Aditya Vij, who has been transferred to GM Europe as executive director (sales, marketing and after sales), GM Norden, Benelux and Switzerland.

A release from GM India said since September 2003, Chaba has served as the Chief Operating Officer of GM India, responsible for the day to day operations of the company.

Prior to this, he served as Director (sales and marketing), GM Japan, where he facilitated restructuring of the GM business including significantly increasing the sales of the Suzuki produced Chevrolet Cruz.

"Rajeev brings diverse business experience to GM India, including significant global experience," said Troy Clarke, GM group vice-president and president, GM Asia Pacific. Chaba began his career at GM India in 1995 as national marketing manager.

He holds a bachelor's degree in engineering and a master's degree in business administration from IIM Bangalore.

Prior to joining the world's biggest automaker, he worked for a large automotive group in the United Arab Emirates based at Dubai.

In his new assignment, Vij will have overall responsibility for managing GM business in the Scandinavian markets, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland.

He will be based in Stockholm, Sweden.

Vij began his career at GM 14 years ago and has held various positions with increasing responsibilities both in Europe and Asia. He was appointed president and managing director of GM India in August 2000.