General Motors has announced a major leadership transition across its Africa and Middle East operations. The changes will take effect from June 1, 2026, as the company strengthens its regional commercial strategy and prepares for its next phase of growth.
Rohan Fernandes, currently serving as managing director of Commercial Operations for Africa and Middle East Operations (AMEO), will succeed Sharon Nishi as chair and managing director of GM Egypt and Africa. Nishi will retire on August 31, 2026, after a long leadership tenure with the automaker.
The transition process has already started. Fernandes and Nishi will work closely over the coming months to ensure continuity across the business.
Mohammed Al-Fayyad appointed managing director of AMEO Commercial Operations
At the same time, Mohammed Al-Fayyad will take over from Fernandes as managing director of AMEO Commercial Operations.
Al-Fayyad will join the GM Africa and Middle East Leadership Team and report directly to Jorge Plata, president and managing director of GM Africa and Middle East.
Plata praised Al-Fayyad’s regional experience and leadership capabilities. He said the executive’s understanding of dealer networks and commercial operations would help GM strengthen execution and improve customer ownership experiences across the region.
In addition, Plata credited Fernandes for helping GM expand its vehicle portfolio and strengthen sales momentum in Africa and the Middle East.
GM focuses on regional talent and global expertise
Al-Fayyad’s appointment also highlights GM’s focus on developing regional leadership talent. He returns to the Middle East after spending five years in senior international roles across the United States and Europe.
Most recently, Al-Fayyad served as Customer Care and Aftersales director for GM Europe. During his tenure, he helped drive business transformation and profitability initiatives.
Earlier, he led the Independent Aftermarket division in the United States. In that role, he delivered double-digit revenue growth and improved operational profitability.
Al-Fayyad first joined GM Middle East in 2007 as dealer standards manager. Over the years, he held several leadership positions across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Dubai. In 2015, he became director of Customer Care and Aftersales.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from University of Jordan and an MBA from Coventry University.
GM expands regional presence across Africa and the Middle East
GM has operated in the Africa and Middle East region for nearly 100 years. The company is headquartered in Dubai and also runs a manufacturing facility in Egypt.
The automaker currently represents Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac in the region. Moreover, it operates through 17 distributors across 29 countries and manages more than 203 customer-facing locations.
Globally, GM continues to invest in electric vehicles, advanced mobility solutions and lower-emission transportation technologies as competition intensifies in the automotive sector.
