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Corporate Leadership Transition at General Motors AMEO Region

May 22, 2026

In a move designed to accelerate regional growth and reinforce its commercial momentum, General Motors Africa and Middle East (AMEO) has recently announced a strategic realignment of its senior leadership team, effective June 1, 2026. This high-profile executive transition underscores GM’s commitment to operational excellence, homegrown talent development, and sustainable market expansion.

The New Executive Leadership

Industry sources added that this newly appointed leadership structure introduces seasoned veterans to pivotal regional roles, ensuring a seamless transition of power and strategy:

Rohan Fernandes-Incoming Chair and Managing Director, GM Egypt and Africa:

The Transition: Rohan Fernandes will succeed Sharon Nishi, who concludes a distinguished career and will officially retire on August 31, 2026. Leadership responsibilities commence immediately to ensure corporate continuity.

Assigned Roles: Leverage an extensive track record in commercial operations to drive vehicle portfolio expansion and solidify GM’s manufacturing and sales presence across the African continent.

2. Mohammed Al-Fayyad – Incoming Managing Director, AMEO Commercial Operations

The Transition: Succeeds Rohan Fernandes, stepping directly onto the GM Africa and Middle East Leadership Team.

Assigned Roles: Report directly to Jorge Plata, President and Managing Director of GM AMEO, with a strategic focus on dealer integration, disciplined market execution, and next-phase profitability.

Executive Profile: Mohammed Al-Fayyad’s Global Expertise

Returning to the Middle East after a five-year tenure in elite international leadership markets, Mohammed Al-Fayyad brings an unparalleled blend of global strategy and deep regional talent.

Proven Track Record: Most recently served as Director of Customer Care and Aftersales for GM Europe, successfully steering the division toward strategic transformation and profitability.
North American Impact: Previously held the role of General Director of the Independent Aftermarket (IAM) in the United States, capturing double-digit top-line revenue growth and optimizing profit margins.
Core Competencies: High-level mastery across International Sales, Corporate Strategy, Public Relations, and Global Aftersales.
Academic Foundation: Holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Jordan, complemented by a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Coventry University.

Driving the Future of Automotive Commerce

General Motors Logo. Image Courtesy-General Motors LinkedIn

This strategic shuffle arrives as General Motors continues its aggressive pivot toward an all-electric future, backed by advanced, low-emission propulsion systems. By placing proven commercial strategists at the helm, GM ensures that its network of 17 distributors across 29 countries remains agile, integrated, and intensely customer-centric.

With Fernandes anchoring Egypt and Africa, and Al-Fayyad optimizing commercial operations from Dubai, GM AMEO is distinctively positioned to translate global innovation into localized market leadership.

Quotes from the Key Leaders:

“Al-Fayyad brings strong regional knowledge, deep commercial experience and a clear understanding of our business and dealer partners,” said Jorge Plata. “His commitment to stronger integration and disciplined execution will help position GM for the next phase of growth while delivering the sales and ownership experience our customers expect.”

Plata also thanked Fernandes for his leadership of the Commercial Operations business and wished him continued success in his new role.

“Rohan has played an instrumental role in building GM’s sales momentum and delivering consistent growth,” said Plata. “He has built strong relationships with our dealer partners across the region and helped lead a strategy that expanded our vehicle portfolio to provide customers different price points and propulsion systems.”

“Returning to the AMEO organization at such a pivotal time for the automotive industry is a meaningful opportunity,” said Al-Fayyad. “My experiences in the U.S. and Europe have strengthened my commitment to driving profitability through innovation, customer care and operational excellence. I look forward to working with our teams, dealers and partners to build on our momentum and deliver sustainable value across the region.”