Mubasher: General Motors (GM) Africa and Middle East unveiled senior leadership appointments in its commercial operations that will become effective on 1 June 2026, according to a press release.
Rohan Fernandes, who is currently in the position of Managing Director, Commercial Operations, Africa and Middle East (AMEO), has been appointed to succeed Sharon Nishi in the position of Chair and Managing Director of GM Egypt and Africa.
Nishi will retire on 31 August 2026. Meanwhile, the handover phase between Nishi and Fernandes will begin for transitioning the leadership responsibilities immediately.
In addition, Mohammed Al Fayyad will succeed Fernandes in the role of General Motors’ Managing Director, AMEO Commercial Operations. Al Fayyad will join the GM Africa and Middle East Leadership Team and report to Jorge Plata, who is the President and Managing Director of General Motors Africa and Middle East.
“Al Fayyad brings strong regional knowledge, deep commercial experience and a clear understanding of our business and dealer partners,” said Jorge Plata, President and Managing Director of General Motors Africa and Middle East.
Plata added: “His [Al Fayyad] commitment to stronger integration and disciplined execution will help position GM for the next phase of growth while delivering the sales and ownership experience our customers expect.”
Regarding Fernandes’ appointment, Plata noted: “Rohan has played an instrumental role in building GM’s sales momentum and delivering consistent growth.”
He added that Fernandes “has built strong relationships with our dealer partners across the region and helped lead a strategy that expanded our vehicle portfolio to provide customers different price points and propulsion systems.”
Al Fayyad’s appointment reflects GM’s commitment to developing and advancing homegrown talent, as he returns to the Middle East after five years in international leadership roles across the US and Europe.
Mohammed Al Fayyad, who will assume General Motors’ Managing Director, AMEO Commercial Operations said: “Returning to the AMEO organization at such a pivotal time for the automotive industry is a meaningful opportunity.”
Al Fayyad added: “My experiences in the US and Europe have strengthened my commitment to driving profitability through innovation, customer care and operational excellence.”
He concluded: “I look forward to working with our teams, dealers and partners to build on our momentum and deliver sustainable value across the region.”
Most recently, Al Fayyad served as Customer Care and Aftersales Director for GM Europe, where he helped drive strong growth, advance strategic transformation and position the business for profitability in 2026.
Earlier, he was general director, Independent Aftermarket (IAM), in the US, where he led double-digit top-line revenue growth, improved profitability and helped shape the IAM strategy.
Holding a BA in Economics from the University of Jordan as well as an MBA from Coventry University, Al Fayyad joined GM Middle East in 2007 as a dealer standards manager, and has by far progressed through the organization to become sales business manager for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain before taking on a range of sales and marketing roles in Dubai. In 2015, he was appointed director of Customer Care and Aftersales.
