Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Hector Villarreal to head GM Korea
Hector Villarreal, newly appointed CEO of GM Korea / Courtesy of GM Korea
By Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
General Motors (GM) has appointed a marketing expert from its Mexican operations to head GM Korea. Hector Villarreal, who currently serves as the vice president in charge of vehicle sales, service and marketing at GM Mexico, will assume the role on Aug. 1, replacing Roberto Rempel who will retire after 40 years with the U.S. carmaker, according to the company.
"Hector has a proven track record in driving commercial growth and developing a multi-brand strategy in GM Mexico, along with extensive leadership experience globally. This will be valuable as we expand our export business and increase our domestic market share in Korea," said Shilpan Amin, GM's senior vice president and president of GM International.
Hector previously served as the vice president of planning and program management of GM Korea for several years, starting in 2012. Villarreal joined GM Mexico in 1990 as a manufacturing project engineer at the Ramos Arizpe Plant. Over the years, he has held various positions, including as president of GM operations in Uzbekistan, managing director of GM Russia, and industrial engineering manager and vehicle line director, both in Mexico and the U.S.