General Motors names Ewanick global chief marketing officer

General Motors, looking to accelerate its push into major markets worldwide, tapped U.S. marketing chief Joel Ewanick to become global chief marketing officer--a new post.

"As we continue our rapid growth in major global markets, it is important that we take a more customer-focused view of our overall marketing strategy," GM CEO Dan Akerson said in a statement today. "In a short period of time, with his marketing acumen and creative leadership, Joel has proven to be a vocal advocate for the customer. He is the right leader to take GM's marketing strategy to the next level."

In his new post, Ewanick will have responsibility for GM's global brands. He will also oversee key global auto shows and GM's corporate and brand marketing participation with major global events.

Ewanick, 50, joined GM in May. He will report to Akerson as Global CMO while continuing to report to Mark Reuss, head of GM North America.

Before joining GM, Ewanick was chief marketing officer for Nissan North America. Prior to his brief stint at Nissan, which began in March, he served as vice president of marketing for Hyundai Motor America.

By David Phillips- Automotive News