DETROIT -
General Motors said late last week that it has appointed a U.S. vice president of diversity. Named to the position was Eric Peterson, who will also keep his current role as director of industry dealer affairs.
In that role, he has managed automaker’s relationships with its National Dealer Advisory Council and Women’s Dealer Advisory Council, in addition to GM’s relationship with the National Automobile Dealers Association. He reports to Jim Bunnell, general manger of dealer network and sales support, in that particular role.
As U.S. vice president of diversity, Peterson reports GM North America president Mark Reuss and GM’s vice president of global human resources, Mary Barra.
“GM has a rich heritage of being at the forefront on diversity issues, and Eric will play a key role as we continue to build on this,” Reuss noted. 
“As a global company, with operations in more than 120 countries, we are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion,” he continued. “We believe this will give GM a strategic advantage in designing, building and selling the world’s best vehicles.”
Peterson’s most recent position before this assignment was serving as GM’s regional sales and marketing manager in the South Central Region.
He headed up the automaker’s dealer development organization. This group pushed for more minorities and women as dealer operators among GM stores.
“I am excited to be able to help strengthen GM’s ongoing commitment to diversity with our customers, employees, dealers, suppliers and communities,” Peterson shared. 
“My belief has always been that understanding and embracing our differences makes us stronger and helps GM win in the marketplace,” he concluded.