Holden appoints new boss

Holden has appointed its first Australian boss in 25 years with the car maker confirming Friday that Mark Bernhard will assume the position of Managing Director and Chairman later this year.

Bernhard, who began his automotive career at Holden in 1986 within the company's finance division, will succeed Gerry Dorizas who resigned suddenly after only eight months in the role late last year and will become the first Australian to lead the brand since John Bagshaw retired in 1990.

His appointment was confirmed by General Motors' International MD Stefan Jacoby in Sydney on Friday, but he will not take up the role until the middle of the year with interim MD Jeff Rolfs continuining to manage the day-to-day operations of the company until then.

His arrival in the corner office at Holden's Port Melbourne headquarters will be as the sixth MD and Chairman in the past six years and will face the challenging task of the closure of Holden's manufacturing facility in South Australia and the transition into a fully-fledged vehicle importer.

Bernhard was in Sydney to meet Holden dealers but was not present at the media announcement. However, Holden issued a statement from the 51-year old, who said: "It's wonderful, and quite humbling, to be returning to Holden to lead the company where my career started.

"I am a Holden man, always have been. [Becoming] Managing Director of this company has always been a dream job. While I know that the company is going through a very challenging transition, I also know that it is has a very bright future.

"I understand that the transition from being a manufacturing company to a national sales company is not easy. We need to ensure that those that leave us as a result of this change are treated with dignity, respect and most of all, support.

"But I am really looking forward to leading the re-making of our iconic company as we bring in great new product, continue to revitalise our Aftersales service and re-establish ourselves as Australian customers' favourite car company."

Jacoby confirmed that one of the key attributes he was looking for during the six-month recruitment drive to replace Dorizas was a long-term committment to the brand.

"One of the thoughts we have [with this role] had is consistency...and Mark is committed to run this for the long term," Jacoby said.

"We took our time to choose the right candidate, and I think Mark brings all the knowledge about Holden but also global knowledge within General Motors.

"That combination, as well as being an Australian...I think that truly qualifies him for this important role."

"He will champion the ongoing transition of GM Holden to a National Sales Company and the repositioning of the Holden brand for long-term growth and profitability."

Alongside Bernhard's announcement, Jacoby re-affirmed Holden's long-term strategy and aspiration to regain the mantle as Australia's favourite car brand with confirmation the company will introduce 24 major new vehicles to the market over the next five years.

"GM is investing significantly to broaden the Holden product portfolio and deliver world-class vehicles," Mr Jacoby said.

"Holden is accessing GM's global operations to assemble its biggest and best ever product line-up. This new model onslaught will ensure Holden has world-class products in every major segment – a true customer-driven product strategy.  

"While I can't reveal all the details, I can say that Holden will debut an all-new Barina Spark in the first quarter of 2016, launch a global Captiva replacement and another all-new, world-class SUV to ensure comprehensive offerings in the crucial SUV market segment.  

Who is Mark Bernhard?

Mark Bernhard is currently vice president and chief financial officer of Shanghai GM in Shanghai, China, a position he has held since November 2011. He also was a member of the GM-SAIC joint venture's Executive Committee.

Mark began his GM career with GM Holden in 1986, holding various positions in the Finance function.

He relocated to Zurich, Switzerland, in 1996 as Manager of Budgets and Consolidation for the then GM International Operations. In 1998, Mark was appointed Director of Financial Reporting and Analysis for GM International Operations in Detroit. Two years later, he took on the role of Director of Special Projects at GM Asia Pacific in Singapore, working on the acquisition of Daewoo Motor Company.

In 2002, Mark became Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Shanghai GM. He was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the GM China Group in 2005. He returned to Australia in 2007 as CFO and Executive Director of Finance for GM Holden, navigating the global financial crisis.

Mark has a Bachelor of Business (accounting) degree from Monash University, as well as a Master's degree in Business Administration from Deakin University. He is an FCPA with CPA Australia and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

Mark received the Silver Magnolia Award from the Shanghai Municipal Government, which is given to expatriates for their contribution to the economic development of the city. He also received the 2014 Australia China Alumni Award for Banking and Finance.