GM Group vice president and CEO of Opel, Carl-Peter Forster has left his post as the head of the company’s European operations only three days after GM’s decision to terminate a deal to sell its Opel unit to Magna. While neither side gave a reason for Forester’s departure, the fact that the former BMW executive was an outspoken supporter of the Magna deal pretty much explains it all..
“The past few years building the Opel brand has been a tremendous personal opportunity,” said Forster. “We’ve seen great strides in design, quality and technology and the launch of truly world-class products. It’s been an honor to be part of the history of Opel, and I wish all the people with the organization only the best in what I’m certain will be a great future.”
GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson said: “The Opel brand has made tremendous progress under Carl-Peter’s tenure and leadership over the past several years.” In an official release, Henderson stated that the company has already begun a search for new CEO for Opel Europe.
According to a news report from Reuters, an unnamed GM source said that Nick Reilly, current head of the automaker’s international operations, is a prime candidate to take Forster’s position as the head of Opel.
A second source told the newsite that Bob Lutz, who already sits on the German firm’s board, will become chairman of the Opel supervisory board. General Motors declined to comment on both these moves.