OREANDA-NEWS. Jim DeLuca will become Executive Vice President of General Motors Global Manufacturing on February 1, succeeding Tim Lee, who is retiring April 1 after a nearly 45-year career that included key positions in manufacturing, manufacturing engineering and global operations.

DeLuca is currently Vice President of Manufacturing for GM International Operations. GM China President Matt Tsien will continue to lead operations in the world’s largest automotive market. In addition to leading global manufacturing, Lee was Chairman of GM China.

“Tim inspired a collaborative approach across the organization and a true global mindset that made a difference for our customers, stockholders and employees,” said GM CEO Mary Barra. “His creativity, dedication, strength in building relationships and commitment to people development set a strong example for his team and for the company.”
As the head of GM Global Manufacturing, Lee oversaw quality improvements and cost reductions in product launches that allowed reinvestment in products and technology. In 2013, GM launched more than 40 vehicles and nearly 25 powertrains around the world. Lee’s leadership and strong relationships with local partners in China also helped spur growth of the company’s business in that market. General Motors and its joint ventures sold a record 3,160,377 vehicles in China last year.

DeLuca, 52, will report to Barra in his new role, leading more than 200,000 employees at 171 facilities in 31 countries. A 35-year GM veteran, DeLuca has extensive experience in global manufacturing, quality, labor relations and product launches. In his most recent role as head of GMIO Manufacturing, he drove significant improvements in quality and manufacturing cost while managing the launch of 19 new vehicles in China and across International Operations.     

“Jim has a strong track record of aligning his team to deliver for the customer and drive results for the business,” Barra said. “His global manufacturing and quality experience, along with his desire for innovative solutions, ensure we will continue our progress in producing the world’s best vehicles, powertrains and stampings.”

DeLuca began his GM career in 1979 as a General Motors Institute (now Kettering University) student at GM’s Linden, N.J., Assembly Plant. He held key manufacturing positions at multiple plants and served as Director of Model Change Engineering for the former GM Truck Group and Manufacturing Manager of Stamping Operations for GM North American Manufacturing. He was appointed vice president of Quality for GM Asia Pacific and GM Daewoo Auto & Technology in November 2007 and was named vice president of Quality for GMIO in 2009. Deluca has been vice president of Manufacturing for GMIO since 2013.

DeLuca received a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Manufacturing Management from GMI. He also participated in the General Motors Senior Executive Program in 2007.