Home » TOURISM NEWS » Major Changes at GM Africa and Middle East – What’s Behind the Secretive Executive Shakeup?
Published on
January 19, 2026
General Motors (GM) Africa and Middle East has revealed a series of important leadership appointments aimed at boosting the company’s focus on long-term growth, transformation, and enhanced engagement with customers and partners across the region. The strategic changes are expected to strengthen GM’s operations and leadership capabilities in Africa and the Middle East, two key regions for the automotive giant.
New Appointments to Strengthen GM’s Regional Leadership
Effective from March 1, 2026, Azam Akhtar will take on the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for GM Africa and the Middle East, succeeding Chad Wellman, who is set to transition to a global position as the finance director of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, Financial Planning and Analysis, and Logistics. This move signals GM’s commitment to strengthening its financial operations and supporting its growth trajectory in these strategically important regions.
Azam Akhtar has accumulated more than a decade of experience within GM, having held a range of leadership roles in Global Product Programs, Advanced Vehicle Development, Global Manufacturing, Treasury, and Commercial Financial Planning and Analysis. His deep expertise in both financial and operational functions will play a key role in GM’s efforts to drive sustainable growth and financial strength across the African and Middle Eastern markets.
A Strong Focus on Communications with New Leadership
In addition to the CFO appointment, GM Africa and Middle East has also appointed Monica Barten as the new Head of Communications, effective January 19, 2026. Monica Barten replaces Ronald Balit, who has moved to a new role within GM’s Middle East Product Marketing division. Barten brings over a decade of experience in the Middle East, having held significant leadership positions at global brands like Visa, Standard Chartered Bank, and Philip Morris International.
As GM’s new Head of Communications, Monica Barten will be responsible for overseeing and refining the region’s communications strategy. She will align the communications efforts with GM’s business priorities, helping to strengthen both corporate and brand reputation in these regions. Barten’s global experience, coupled with her deep knowledge of the Middle Eastern market, makes her ideally positioned to steer GM’s communications strategy in Africa and the Middle East at a time of significant transformation for the company.
Strengthening Leadership with Regional Insight and Global Expertise
Jack Uppal, the President and Managing Director of General Motors Africa and Middle East, emphasized the importance of strong leadership in driving the company’s regional ambitions. He stated that these new appointments are designed to reinforce GM’s leadership team, combining regional insights with global expertise. According to Uppal, these changes position the company to better support growth, transformation, and innovation across Africa and the Middle East.
Both Akhtar and Barten will play pivotal roles in GM’s ongoing commitment to advancing personal autonomous technologies and digital services. The company continues to push boundaries through its vehicle brands, including Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac, which are integral to its efforts to lead the automotive industry in innovation.
Azam Akhtar’s Vision for GM Africa and Middle East
Azam Akhtar expressed his excitement about his new role, emphasizing the strategic importance of Africa and the Middle East for GM’s global operations. He noted that these regions offer significant opportunities for growth and transformation, and he looks forward to playing a key role in GM’s continued success and development. Akhtar stated that he is eager to contribute to GM’s long-term goals by focusing on financial strength and supporting the company’s journey of transformation.
Monica Barten’s Vision for GM’s Communications Strategy
Monica Barten, the newly appointed Head of Communications, shared her enthusiasm for joining GM at such a transformative time. She highlighted the company’s legacy, its leadership in innovation, and its bold ambitions for the future. Barten expressed her eagerness to help shape the next chapter of GM’s story in the region, building on the tremendous momentum the company has built in recent years.
GM’s Commitment to the African and Middle Eastern Markets
As GM celebrates more than 100 years of operations across Africa and the Middle East, the company remains committed to enhancing its presence and impact in these regions. GM’s automotive operations in Africa and the Middle East continue to be a cornerstone of its global strategy. The company’s ongoing innovations in autonomous vehicle technologies and digital services are poised to bring significant changes to the market, with GM’s vehicle brands playing a key role in these advancements.
The Impact on GM’s Future in the Region
The new leadership appointments come at a crucial time for GM, as the company works to enhance its position in Africa and the Middle East. These appointments, particularly those of Azam Akhtar and Monica Barten, reflect GM’s determination to position itself for long-term success by leveraging both local insights and global expertise. Their leadership will be instrumental in helping GM navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapidly changing automotive landscape in these regions.
Looking Ahead: GM’s Growth and Innovation in Africa and the Middle East
With the recent leadership changes, GM’s vision for the future in Africa and the Middle East is focused on growth, transformation, and innovation. The company is poised to continue expanding its footprint in these key regions, driven by the leadership of seasoned executives who bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of both regional and global markets. GM’s ongoing commitment to the development of autonomous vehicles and digital services will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation in Africa and the Middle East.
