GM’s New Zealand boss moves on

General Motors (GM) has announced Jess Bala, its managing director for Australia and New Zealand since 2023, has left the company after nearly 20 years.

Greg Rowe, currently director of sales and operations, will serve as acting managing director until a permanent replacement is found.

Bala, pictured, started her career with GM Holden Australia in 2007 and went on to work as a district sales manager and in product planning before shifting to GM’s headquarters in Detroit, US, in 2013.

During her decade in the US, she was involved with the company’s global models and EV programmes before becoming chief of staff to GM’s chief executive Mary Barra between April 2021 and January 2022.

Her next role was as director of planning and product marketing for Cadillac, where she played a central role in its move to become an all-electric brand by the end of the decade.

She returned to Australia in September 2023 for her latest position, which involved leading GM operations on both sides of the Tasman, including GM Specialty Vehicles, Isuzu NZ customer care, Holden after-sales and Chevrolet Racing.

Her time with the automotive giant is now at an end after the company announced on August 26 she was leaving.

“Following an accomplished two-decade career with General Motors, Jess Bala has elected to depart the company,” a GM spokesperson says. 

“In her time as GM Australia and New Zealand managing director, Jess drove the growth of our world-class portfolio, including Cadillac EVs, Corvette and full-size trucks and SUVs. 

“We thank Jess for her contribution to the business and wish her well in her future endeavours.”