Holden boss takes Asia GM role

The federal government has criticised General Motors' decision to promote Holden managing director Mike Devereux to a new international position during crucial funding negotiations with the local car maker.

Mr Devereux, the figurehead for Holden during the latest rounds of industry funding talks, was on Friday appointed vice-president of sales, marketing and after-sales in GM's consolidated international operations division.

The promotion, which takes effect in November, will see Mr Devereux relocate to GM's offices in Shanghai and oversee operations in 100 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East.