New Holden boss & cars

Mark Bernhard is returning to Holden as chairman and managing director as it moves from being a manufacturer to a national sales company. He began his career in the automotive industry at Holden in 1986, undertaking senior finance roles across General Motors’ global operations over the past four decades. He is a former chief financial officer of GM Holden, and is currently vice-president and CFO of Shanghai GM. The appointment was announced at the same time as Holden’s launch programme, which will deliver 24 new vehicles and 36 powertrain combinations over the next five years. Stefan Jacoby, GM’s executive vice-president, says: “Mark’s knowledge of GM Holden, including New Zealand, our region and GM’s global operations will serve him well in his new role. He will champion its transition in Australia to a national sales company, and reposition the Holden brand for long-term growth and profitability.” Bernhard will take up his new role in the third quarter this year and will succeed Jeff Rolfs, interim managing director. “GM is investing significantly to broaden Holden’s product portfolio,” adds Jacoby. “This new model onslaught will ensure it has world-class products in every major segment. “While I can’t reveal all details, I can say Holden will debut an all-new Barina Spark in the first quarter of 2016, launch a global Captiva replacement and another SUV for comprehensive offerings in this crucial segment.” In the past 12 months, Holden has also announced the Cascada convertible, Astra hatchback and Insignia sedan will launch in 2015. Its vehicles will continue to be tuned and tested for Australasian conditions and customers at its Lang Lang Proving Ground in Victoria. More than one-third of Holden’s future product portfolio will be sourced from Europe, the Commodore nameplate will stay and it will have a true sports car in its future portfolio.  

Mark Bernhard biography

Mark Bernhard is currently vice-president and CFO of Shanghai GM in Shanghai, a position he has held since November 2011. He also was a member of the GM-SAIC joint venture’s executive committee. Bernhard began his GM career with GM Holden in 1986, holding various positions in the finance function. He relocated to Zurich in 1996 as manager of budgets and consolidation for the-then GM International Operations. In 1998, he became director of financial reporting and analysis for GM International in Detroit. Two years later, he took on the role of director of special projects at GM Asia Pacific in Singapore where he worked on the acquisition of Daewoo Motor Company. In 2002, Bernhard became vice-president and CFO of Shanghai GM. He was appointed CFO of the GM China Group in 2005. He returned to Australia in 2007 as CFO and executive director of Finance for GM Holden, during which time he navigated the global financial crisis. He has a bachelor of business (accounting) degree from Monash University, as well as a master’s degree in business administration from Deakin University. Bernhard received the Silver Magnolia Award from Shanghai, municipal government, which is given to expatriates for their contributions to the city’s economic development. He also received the 2014 Australia China Alumni Award for Banking and Finance.