GM Canada has a new leader with the appointment of Kristian Aquilina as its new president and managing director.

Aquilina was promoted from his previous role as vice president of vehicle sales, service and marketing at GM Canada.

Aquilina reports to Marissa West, who was named senior vice president and president of GM North America last month. West was previously president and managing director of GM Canada.

In his new role, Aquilina will be focused on helping guide the company as the industry moves toward an all-electric future.

“It’s an exciting time to step into the role of president and managing director as GM Canada enters 2024 with incredible growth across the entire business,” Aquilina said in a press release. “I look forward to collaborating with our employees, our strong network of Canadian dealers and our many other community and industry partners across the country. Together, we’ll unleash even more opportunities for GM Canada to lead during this period of historic transformation.”

He joined GM Canada last year in his prior VP role, during which GM Canada led the industry in total market share and total sales for 2023 – the first time since 2009, the press release said.

Before GM Canada, Aquilina herved as managing director of Cadillac International Operations and Cadillac Middle East.

In a message included in the news release, Aquilina said, “As always, this begins with delivering products that our customers love, and GM Canada led the industry in total sales and total market share in 2023.

“It’s a true reflection of our strengthening portfolio across key segments like full-size pickups and full-size SUVs while attracting new customers with high-demand introductions like the Chevrolet Trax and Buick Encore GX. Continuing to win with our ICE portfolio is critical to maintaining customer relationships and growing loyalty, while fueling our EV transition and future growth,” he said.