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DENISE VAN HUYSSTEEN TO STEER COMMUNICATIONS FOR GM AFRICA AND MIDDLE EAST OPERATIONS

General Motors Africa General Manager Communications and Public Relations, Denise van Huyssteen, has been given expanded responsibilities with her appointment as General Manager of Communications for GM Africa and Middle East Operations, effective from 01 March 2016.

A statement issued Friday in Port Elizabeth said in her new role, Van Huyssteen will remain based in South Africa while taking on responsibility for communications across Africa and the Middle East.

According to the statement obtained by AUTO REPORT AFRICA, she will report directly to Mario Spangenberg, President and Managing Director of GM’s Africa and Middle East Operations, and indirectly to Lori Arpin, Vice President of Communications for GM International.

The statement listed her key areas of focus across the region to include the development of corporate communications, internal communications and product communications strategies which are aligned to the overall objectives of the business.

Reacting to her new appointment, Van Huyssteen said in the statement that the expansion of her role gives her great opportunity to work with different cultures and to understand the needs of the customers in these diverse markets.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to support both the Africa and Middle East operations, as we focus our efforts on helping the company to strengthen its brands and to sell more cars,” said Van Huyssteen.

General Motors has a presence across 54 markets in Africa with manufacturing facilities located in South Africa, Kenya and Egypt, while in the Middle East it serves 10 different markets through its regional marketing and sales office located in Dubai.

In Africa the company markets and distributes the Chevrolet, Opel and Isuzu brands, while in the Middle East its brands include Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac.

Van Huyssteen is also a member of the Executive Committee for GM South Africa, Chairperson of the GM International Women’s Council, Trustee of the GM South Africa Foundation and is a Director on the Nelson Mandela Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board.

She holds a National Diploma in Public Relations from the former Port Elizabeth Technikon (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University).

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