Cadillac Club Member Spenchian To Lead Saab Cars USA

DETROIT, March 31, 2005; Jay Spenchian will become general manager of Saab Cars USA, effective April 1, Mark LaNeve, GM North America vice president of Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing, announced today. Spenchian has served as marketing director of Cadillac since 2004. He replaces Debra Kelly-Ennis, who has accepted a position with Diageo North America.

"Jay's experience launching the Cadillac CTS, SRX and STS in premium segments globally makes him the ideal choice for this position," LaNeve said. "We believe he's the right person to lead Saab during its most aggressive vehicle development program in its history."

Spenchian, 46, joined General Motors in 1998 and has held a variety of positions with Cadillac, including marketing director for the CTS, XLR and SRX, and brand manager of the Escalade. Prior to joining GM, Spenchian held brand management positions with companies such as The Pillsbury Company, Sara Lee Corporation, H.J. Heinz Co. and Pepsico, Inc. He has a bachelor's degree and an MBA from Michigan State University.

Kelly-Ennis joined GM in 1998 following a career in sales and general management with non-automotive companies such as RJR/Nabisco and Grand Metropolitan PLC. With her move to Diageo she returns to the industry where her career began. "We're very appreciative for all of Debra's contributions at Saab and throughout her career at GM," LaNeve said. "We wish her the best at Diageo."