Mario A. Spangenberg was appointed president and managing director of GM Africa, effective January 1, 2013. Based in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, he oversees the growth of GM’s operations across the continent. He also serves as chairman of the GM Egypt joint venture and a member of the board of GM distributor and dealer MAC International.
Prior to his present job, Spangenberg had been president and managing director of GM North Africa since July 2011. Before that, he served as director of Sales Operations for GM de Mexico since June 2008, where he managed the Chevrolet, Buick-GMC and Cadillac distribution channels, as well as Fleet, Distribution and Sales Operations.
He earlier was managing director of International Sales for GM Daewoo Auto & Technology, where he helped expand exports and implemented strategies for opening new markets. From 2005 to 2008, Spangenberg also served as a member of the Administration Council and vice president of General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation, and a member of the Global Brand Council for Chevrolet.
From 2002 to 2004, Spangenberg was director of Marketing for Adam Opel AG in Russelsheim, Germany, where he was responsible for the launch of the Opel Signum, Meriva and Astra.
Spangenberg began his automotive industry career in 1980 at Volkswagen. He held several positions, including district sales manager, business consultant, fleet manager, training supervisor, international public relations manager, and marketing and aftersales manager. In addition, he held key executive positions such as director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales and vice president of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales for Volkswagen, Audi and Seat in Argentina.
Spangenberg has a bachelor’s degree in international business administration and German studies from Ohio Wesleyan University.
