GM Egypt names Rohan Fernandes as chair, managing director

Rohan Fernandes (LinkedIn) is now chair and managing director of General Motors (GM) Egypt and Africa, according to a press release (pdf). GM first flagged the handover in May, with the announcement of former chair and MD Sharon Nishi’s retirement on 31 August after four decades with the automaker.

Fernandes joined GM in 2016 and most recently ran the automaker’s commercial operations across Africa and the Middle East. Under Nishi, GM Egypt grew its commercial-vehicle market share, restarted local passenger-car production with the Chevrolet Optra, and brought Cadillac back to the country through distributor Mansour Automotive, per the May release. The new chair’s stated priorities are to hold Chevrolet’s market lead, build on Cadillac’s early momentum, bring in new vehicles, and increase local manufacturing. That push aligns with Egypt’s stated ambition — cited by industry sources in late 2024 — to reach USD 1.5 bn in yearly exports of locally assembled vehicles.