General Motors executive Alan Batey, who elevated the fleet business in the organization, is retiring from his role as executive vice president and president of North America after 40 years with the company.

Barry Engle, an executive vice president and president of GM International, will succeed Batey. Engle's appointment is effective April 1. He reports to CEO Mary Barra. Batey, who was known to speak at GM Fleet previews in recent years, will remain as an advisor to assist in the transition.

"Alan was the biggest supporter of GM Fleet," said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president at GM Fleet. "After having spent many years in the fleet business in Europe, Alan understood our business perfectly. He elevated the importance of GM Fleet within GM overall. We are going to miss Alan so much."

Batey has been in his current role since 2014, and has led Global Chevrolet since July 2013. He also served as vice president of U.S. sales and service and interim chief marketing officer from 2012 to 2013. From 2010 to 2012, he was vice president of U.S. Chevrolet sales and service. A native of the United Kingdom, Batey began his General Motors career in 1979.

He has held senior management positions of increasing responsibility in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Germany, Korea, and Australia.

In a related move, Julian Blissett will become senior vice president of international operations. Blissett, who is now GM-SAIC executive vice president in China, will have responsibility for GM's operations outside of the Americas and China. Blissett will also report to Barra.