GMSA’s new president and MD, Edgar Lourencon, was introduced to media, and Africa’s Big Five, earlier this week at the recently opened 5-Star Gondwana Game Reserve near Mosselbay in the Western Cape. Lourencon, whose new post officially began on 1 November, takes over the reigns from Steve Koch who retired this year after 40 years of service with General Motors.

Lourencon has been with the company for over 32 years and has his roots in engineering. As such, the new MD spent the first 20 years involved in the company’s technical areas of manufacturing, engineering and quality control. Prior to arriving in South Africa, Lourencon was director of sales in Brazil before running GM’s operations in Chile, Peru and Bolivia. Most recently his portfolio was increased to include the Uruguay and Paraguay regions.

Despite the setbacks faced by the manufacturer in 2009, Lourencon remains confident for GM’s future in world markets. On a local level, the new MD recognises Africa as a mature and challenging market but is excited about the future both here in SA and for the rest of the continent. Lourencon stated that he’s happy with GMSA’s current operations and will be fine-tuning rather than overhauling any aspects within the organisation. His focus will be on his organisation’s brand, customers and productivity, with emphasis on a sustainable operation through local sales complimented by exports, as opposed to a heavy reliance on the export market.

Lourencon will take time in December to visit GM’s points of presence in Africa, including Egypt, Kenya, Tunisia and Nigeria.