General Motors on Monday announced that Kaher Kazem has been appointed as president and managing director of GM India. Kaher Kazem will take over from Arvind Sexana from 1 January, after the current president and MD retires in January.

"With Kaher's hands-on experience and direct knowledge of the business, we are pleased to appoint him to lead GM India at this important time," said GM Executive Vice President and GM International President Stefan Jacoby. "GM is committed to India for the long term. Kaher's proven track record will enable us to deliver to Indian consumers the great vehicles they want and the world-class customer experience they deserve."

Saxena who joined General Motors from Volkswagen India is stepping down from his post after serving the American brand in India for two years. Kaher Kazem, 46-year-old, currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of GM India. Kaher's appointment comes at a crucial point of time when the car maker is trying to boost the sale of the company.

Kaher joined GM in 1995 as a senior engineer and since then has been part of several projects of the company in Australia, Thailnad and Uzbekistan. Prior to taking on his current position earlier this year, where he has managed the industrial side of the business, Kazem was president and managing director of GM Uzbekistan from 2012.

"I want to thank Arvind, who has helped lay the foundation for the future success of GM India. We look forward to a smooth transition to ensure the continued execution of our business transformation," Jacoby said.