DETROIT – General Motors announced changes for its U.S. sales executives in preparation for numerous upcoming product launches. GM named Ed Peper, 50, who is currently general manager, Fleet and Commercial Operations, to the position of U.S. vice president, Fleet and Commercial Sales. GM officially named Peper to the position of general manager, Fleet and Commercial Operations, on February 1, 2012.

"This is a further indication of GM's recognition of the importance of the Fleet and Commercial business to the success of the company," said Peper. "We are putting the customer first in everything we do and are committed to providing them with great products, innovative business solutions, and an exceptional customer experience."

Other changes in sales executive positions at GM include:

• Alan Batey, 49, to the newly created position of GM vice president, U.S. Sales and Service.

• Don Johnson, 55, currently U.S. vice president, Sales Operations to the position of U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Sales and Service, replacing Batey.

• Kurt McNeil, 48, replaces Johnson as U.S. vice president, Sales Operations. He had been U.S. vice president, Cadillac Sales and Service, since 2010.

• Chase Hawkins, 43, regional director, Cadillac Sales and Service Northeast Region, to the position of U.S. vice president, Cadillac Sales and Service, replacing McNeil.

Johnson, McNeil, Hawkins, and Peper will all report to Batey, as will Brian Sweeney, who remains U.S. vice president, Buick and GMC Sales and Service, GM stated. Batey will report to GM North America President Mark Reuss. These changes are effective June 1.

“GM is playing offense with an aggressive rollout of new cars, trucks and crossovers,” said Reuss. “Strengthening our U.S. sales team will help take full advantage of these growth opportunities and continue delivering solid improvements in customer satisfaction, dealer profitability and resale value.”

The automaker said that, by the end of 2012, it will have all-new or freshened cars and crossovers in segments that represent 60 percent of the U.S. light-vehicle market, and that all four of GM’s brands in the United States are poised for growth. By the end of 2013, GM said that 70 percent of its North American portfolio will be new or freshened vehicles when compared with the lineup in 2011.