GM Brazil President Named Global Purchasing Chief

General Motors Co. has appointed Grace Lieblein, president of GM do Brasil, as vice president for global purchasing and supply chain, effective immediately.

Lieblein's new job also includes responsible for the company's worldwide logistics. She will oversee 6,700 GM employees and report to Vice Chairman Steve Girsky.

Lieblein succeeds Bob Socia, who was named in September to head GM China. Kim Brycz, who acted as interim purchasing chief, will remain as executive director of purchasing for equipment and machinery, as well as goods not directly related to product.

Jaime Ardila, president of GM South America, will serve as interim president of the Brazil unit.

Lieblein, whose father came from Cuba and mother from Nicaragua, is the GM's highest-ranking Hispanic woman. She also is the first woman to head the company's global purchasing and the latest woman named to a senior post under CEO Dan Akerson.