DETROIT - General Motors announced today 31-year company veteran Brian Small (shown below) has been named executive director for Fleet and Commercial Operations, succeeding Jim Campbell, promoted in December to head the automaker's Chevrolet brand.

Effective immediately, Small's appointment also includes responsibility for GM's International Product Center (IPC), the automaker's global sales, marketing and engineering operation. He reports to Susan Docherty, VP, sales, service, and marketing.

"I'm confident Brian will bring his extensive experience and strong leadership to the critical fleet and commercial organization and make an immediate positive impact," said Docherty in a GM statement. "His service at each of our brands on the ground level, working with various dealerships throughout the country, will bring invaluable perspective and customer focus."

Most recently, Small was general director for GM's North America Order Fulfillment and Global Supply Operations, a post that included supporting fleet activities.

Small joined GM in April, 1979 and has worked in vehicle sales, service, and marketing areas. Specifically, he held positions in field sales and service, business management, advertising, marketing, service operations, sales promotions, incentives, events management, regional sales, service and marketing leadership, and vehicle distribution. Representing GM's four core brands - Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC - he has worked in key markets across the U.S., according to the GM statement.

Based in Detroit, Small is a 1978 Michigan Tech graduate and earned an MBA from the University of Maryland in 2006.

GM also recently added Russ Tiejema to the fleet team as director Finance Fleet and Commercial and IPC Operations, replacing Julie Gruber.