{"id":584254,"date":"2026-08-29T19:18:48","date_gmt":"2026-08-29T19:18:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/584254\/"},"modified":"2026-08-29T19:18:48","modified_gmt":"2026-08-29T19:18:48","slug":"supercars-fans-react-after-leading-figure-departs-role-immediately-after-20-years-sad-to-see","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/584254\/","title":{"rendered":"Supercars fans react after leading figure departs role immediately after 20 years: ‘Sad to see’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Supercars<\/a> fans have reacted with mixed emotions after it was confirmed on Wednesday that Jess Bala<\/a> has departed her role with General Motors. Bala had been with GM for 20 years and was managing director for Australia and New Zealand since 2023.<\/p>\n

She became the first woman and youngest person ever to lead GM’s Australia and New Zealand arm when she took the top job at age 39. Greg Rowe – director of sales and operations – will be acting managing director until a permanent successor is appointed.<\/p>\n

\"Jess<\/p>\n

Jess Bala (R) was head of General Motors in Australia, which runs the Chevrolet Camaro in Supercars (L). Image: Getty\/State Library of South Australia<\/p>\n

Speedcafe reported on Wednesday that Bala was ‘forced out’, but GM insisted she left on her own volition. GM said in a statement: “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.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

\"Jess<\/p>\n

Jess Bala at the Supercars gala in 2024. Image: Supercars<\/p>\n

Bala was frequently spotted at Supercars events, where the Chevrolet Camaro<\/a> competes alongside the Ford Mustang and Toyota Supra. Team 18 is the official GM\/Chevrolet homologation partner team, while Brad Jones Racing, PremiAir Racing, Erebus Motorsport and Matt Stone Racing all compete under the Chevrolet Racing banner as well.<\/p>\n

Bala had been at the helm during a difficult period for GM and Chevrolet. After the retirement of Holden in 2020, General Motors then lost the vaunted Triple Eight racing team to Ford for this year’s Supercars season.<\/p>\n

Star drivers Broc Feeney and Will Brown stayed with Triple Eight and now race for Ford, leaving GM flagging in the 2026 championship. Only one Chevrolet driver has won a race this season (Anton De Pasquale<\/a>), and the Team 18 driver is the only Camaro in line to make the finals.<\/p>\n

\"Anton<\/p>\n

Anton De Pasquale is the only Chevrolet driver with a race win in 2026. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Supercars fans react to Jess Bala departure<\/p>\n

One fan wrote on social media: “Usually GM would find a new role for such a talented individual. Sad to see. All the best, Jess.” Another commented: “Just a head to blame, the trouble comes from up top.”<\/p>\n

While a third added: “As a GM fan there is no one to be excited about in the series anymore and it has become the Ford cup. GM and Toyota simply stand no chance and it might as well be thrown out the window.”<\/p>\n

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