OREANDA-NEWS. General Motors today appointed Gerald Johnson as North America Manufacturing Vice President effective July 1. He will lead a team of more than 74,000 employees who work in 56 facilities including assembly, stamping, powertrain and component operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“Gerald’s proven leadership, experience and passion for product quality will serve him well in this role,” said Tim Lee, GM vice president, Global Manufacturing and president, GM International Operations. “He leads by example as a mentor and strong communicator, engaging his full team to ensure we build only the best for our customers.”

Johnson’s most recent role was executive director of Global Program Quality and Launch, where he led several key quality initiatives to improve global product launches. His 33-year GM career includes many leadership positions in labor relations and manufacturing, including an overseas assignment in Zurich.

Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Administration from Kettering University and a master’s degree in Manufacturing Operations from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He succeeds Diana Tremblay, who was named vice president of GM’s new Global Business Services group.