GMSV (General Motors Specialty Vehicles) has announced Joanne Stogiannis as its general manager in the lead up to the new Australia and New Zealand arm of GM opening its doors.

GMSV will partner with Walkinshaw Automotive Group to import and convert General Motors (GM) vehicles including Chevrolet Silverado and Chevrolet Corvette ready for sale in Australia.

Ms Stogiannis comes to the top job at GMSV after a year as the Australian general manager of GM’s car-share business, Maven, and said in a statement that she was “thrilled” to lead the new venture.

“Sales of large US pickups have been growing consistently and I believe the ongoing strength of that segment will provide a very solid basis for us to build a successful long-term business,” she said.

“The plan to bring the stunning new mid-engine Corvette in RHD direct from the factory is an enormously exciting opportunity for local performance car enthusiasts.”

Before her time at Maven, Ms Stogiannis was previously Holden’s director of sales operations, zone manager for the brand in both Victoria and Tasmania as well as fulfilling various marketing roles including general manager of Holden’s digital marketing.

By Neil Dowling