GM Hires Former VW, Volvo Exec as International Unit Chief

General Motors Co. has appointed Stefan Jacoby, former CEO of Volvo Cars and a longtime Volkswagen executive, as executive vice president for its International Operations unit.

Jacoby will take charge of the Shanghai-based division, which encompasses GM's businesses in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, on Aug. 5. He will report to CEO Dan Akerson.

Jacoby will succeed Tim Lee, who will become chairman of the company's Chinese unit and retain his responsibilities as GM's global manufacturing chief. Bob Socia, CEO of GM China, will continue to report to Lee.

Volvo Cars owner Zhejiang Geely Holding Group fired Jacoby last October while he was on medical leave for a mild stroke. Jacoby had joined the Swedish unit in August 2010 from Volkswagen, where he headed the company's North American operations.

Jacoby previous served stints at VW as global sales chief and head of the Asia-Pacific unit. Earlier in his career, he worked at Mitsubishi Motors.