Jess Bala with Team 18 boss Charlie Schwerkolt. Image: InSyde Media
Bala had spent almost 20 years in the GM system, starting at Holden and spending a decade in Detroit before returning to take the top job for GM Australia and New Zealand in 2023.
She took over at a tumultuous time for the business as it attempts to find its feet following the shuttering of Holden at the end of 2020.
A troubled rollout of Cadillac in the market, as well as other challenges around product choices, are believed to have contributed to the decision.
Bala was a supporter of GM’s local racing efforts and a regular attendee at Supercars events, including the weekend’s Ipswich Super440 at Queensland Raceway.
However, a shake-up at GM ANZ is not expected to impact the Camaro Supercars program.
Program boss Simon McNamara and technical lead Grant McPherson – who will start in his role ahead of the Bathurst 1000 – are engaged directly via the US-based GM Motorsport.
Those US-led appointments followed the loss of Triple Eight to Ford in a deal that gazumped Australian GM management.
The loss of Triple Eight has reduced Chevrolet to a bit-player role in this year’s championship, with just one Camaro driver currently set to qualify for the Finals Series.
GM thanked Bala for her tenure via a statement, confirming Greg Rowe, currently Director of Sales and Operations, will serve as acting managing director.
“Following an accomplished two-decade career with General Motors, Managing Director of GM Australia and New Zealand, Jess Bala, has elected to depart the company,” it read.
“In her time as GM Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Jess drove the growth of our world-class portfolio, including Cadillac EVs, Corvette and full-size trucks and SUVs.
“We thank Jess for her contribution to the business and wish her well in her future endeavours.”