General Motors names new leaders for Gulf operations

General Motors has announced new leadership appointments aimed at strengthening its business across Africa and the Middle East, with a strong focus on the region’s growing importance to the company’s plans. 

From 1 March, Azam Akhtar will take over as Chief Financial Officer for GM Africa and Middle East. He succeeds Chad Wellman, who is moving to a global role overseeing finance for purchasing, supply chain, planning, and logistics. Akhtar brings more than 10 years of experience within GM, having worked across product programs, manufacturing, advanced vehicle development, and commercial finance. 

At the same time, GM has appointed Monica Barten as Head of Communications for Africa and the Middle East. She joins the company on 19 January and will lead regional communications and brand strategy. Barten has spent over a decade working in the Middle East and has held senior roles at global organisations including Visa, Standard Chartered, and Philip Morris International. She replaces Ronald Balit, who has moved into a new role within GM’s Middle East product marketing team. 

GM says the appointments will help drive growth, transformation, and innovation in the region. As the company marks over 100 years in Africa and the Middle East, it continues to expand its focus on logistics, advanced vehicle technologies, digital services, and future mobility solutions.