John Larson Named To Lead Buick, Pontiac-GMC

DETROIT - John Larson will become general manager of Buick, Pontiac-GMC and divisional marketing general manager of Buick, effective Jan. 1, John Smith, GM group vice president of North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing, announced today. Larson has served as executive director, finance, for North America VSSM since 2001.

"John's broad experience in the sales and marketing arena makes him particularly well-qualified for his position," Smith said. "He has a great track record, is well acquainted with GM's strategies in North America and will bring loads of creativity to his new role."

Larson will report to Mark LaNeve, GM North America vice president of marketing and advertising. Jim Bunnell, Pontiac-GMC marketing general manager, will report to Larson. Larson replaces CJ Fraleigh, who resigned.

Larson, 42, joined GM in 1986. He has held a variety of marketing and finance positions at Cadillac, GMAC, GM Fleet and Commercial, and is a member of the National Dealer Council and the GMAC Dealer Advisory Board. He has a bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University and an MBA from Purdue University.