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Robert (Bob) E. Socia was appointed executive vice president of Shanghai General Motors effective July 1 2007. He serves as GM's senior representative at its flagship joint venture in China.
Socia came to China from General Motors South Africa (GMSA) where he had held the posts of president and managing director since January 2004. He also served as a member of the GMSA Board of Directors.
He began his professional career at GM's Cadillac Division in Detroit in 1975 and worked in GM's finance and materials management areas. In 1991 he was appointed director of supply management at the Buick-Oldsmobile-Cadillac Group and the Cadillac Luxury Car Division.
Between 1994 and 1997 Socia gained international experience in various senior purchasing positions at GM do Brasil. In April 1997 he served as executive director chemicals for GM's worldwide purchasing.
Two years later he was appointed vice president of GM Europe worldwide purchasing and in this position served as a member of the management board of Adam Opel AG and the Europe Strategy Board. He was also chairman of GM-Fiat worldwide purchasing from the establishment of the joint venture in 2000. He served in this position until his appointment as the head of GMSA.
Socia earned a bachelor's degree in business from Oakland University and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Detroit Mercy. | 