General Motors Co. announced that Ernesto M. Hernandez, president and managing director, GM de Mexico, has elected to retire after almost 40 years with the company.

GM also announced that Francisco Garza, currently vice president, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing, GM de Mexico, will succeed Hernandez in leading GM operations in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Garza's appointment is effective Sept. 1, 2019.  He will report to Barry Engle, executive vice president and president, the Americas.

Hernandez will remain on as GM advisor and assist in a smooth leadership transition.

Juan Carlos Garcia, currently chief financial officer, GM de Mexico, is named vice president, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing, GMM. He will report to Garza.

"Under Ernesto's leadership, GM started a profound transformation in Mexico, a change that is now consolidating our position as the most important and admired automotive company in the country," said Engle. "We greatly appreciate Ernesto's legacy and what he has contributed to GM over his stellar career and almost 40 years of service. As our company focuses on streamlining global operations, I see Francisco and Juan Carlos as the perfect leaders to continue our transformation in Mexico."

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