Alan Batey, global head of Chevrolet. Photo from goauto.com

Things are happening at GM as the Wall Street Journal reported the company’s plan to accelerate Chevy’s growth in the 140 markets where it is sold. As part of the growth plan, General Motors is expected to name U.S. sales chief Alan Batey as the global head of Chevrolet.

Autonews.com reports, “CEO Dan Akerson has signaled for months his plans to install a global leader for Chevrolet as a way to create clear accountability for the brand’s growth worldwide.” Making bold moves with leadership changes is nothing new for Akerson. He made a similar move last year when he assigned Bob Ferguson as global vice president of Cadillac.

For the British Batey, this is the latest in a series of promotions. Batey had been the vice president of U.S. sales and service since June 2012. Wearing multiple hats, Batey has also been serving as GM’s interim global chief marketing officer since July of last year. Joel Ewanick’s abrupt departure left an opening in that position. 

Susan Docherty, GM head of Chevy sales in Europe. Photo from motorauthority.com

The 50-year old Batey has held several positions in sales and marketing for GM. From senior management positions in Korea, the Middle East and several European countries, Batey finally took his first U.S. based job in 2010 as the head of Chevy’s sales and service.

Batey’s new position comes amid the launch of 13 new or redesigned Chevys in the United States this year and 12 more in international markets. Autonews.com reports that “Major U.S. rollouts include the redesigned 2014 Impala sedan, which hit showrooms in April; the redesigned 2014 Silverado pickup, launched this month; and the 2014 Corvette Stingray, which is expected to arrive by September.”

Other GM news includes the report that head of Chevy sales in Europe, Susan Docherty, announced her plans to leave GM by fall. Docherty said she wants to spend more time with her family.

Global Chevrolet Facts

• Chevrolet vehicles are sold in more than 140 countries worldwide
• In 2012, Chevrolet sold 4.9 million vehicles worldwide
• In 2012, Chevrolet sold a vehicle somewhere in the world every 6.39 seconds
• Since its founding in 1911, Chevrolet has sold more than 215 million vehicles worldwide
• Chevrolet accounts for more than 53 percent of GM’s volume worldwide and 73 percent of GM’s volume in the U.S.
• Chevrolets are on the road in 73 percent of the world