GM to Name New Global Purchasing Chief

Kevin Wale, president of General Motors Co.'s China business and chief operations office for India and southeast Asia, will step down on Oct. 31 after 37 years at the company.

He will be replaced on Oct. 1 by Bob Socia, who has been vice president of global purchasing and supply chain for more than three years.

GM says it will appoint Socia's successor for the worldwide purchasing job later. The company's suppliers say they are concerned by the delay.