DETROIT and SHANGHAI — The leadership shifts continue at General Motors, which announced Monday that executive Susan Docherty is taking on a new role as vice president of international sales, marketing and aftersales starting June 1.

She will be taking over for Don Johnson, whose new role GM said it will reveal soon. Docherty's most recent position with the automaker was as vice president of U.S. marketing. Earlier, she served as vice president of U.S. sales, service and marketing.

In her new position, Docherty reports to Tim Lee, who is the president of GM International Operations.

Explaining that segment of GM's business in more detail, officials noted that almost a half of the automaker's new-vehicle sales come via GMIO.

Over 90 markets make up GMIO, with most of them being "emerging market." Some of the markets included in GMIO are the Asia Pacific region, Latin America, the Middle East, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (which includes Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine).

Lee noted: "We are fortunate to have Susan joining us at this important time in GMIO's history, as we focus on growth throughout the region. She brings a wealth of sales and marketing experience with a fresh perspective to the way we approach our business."

Docherty will be responsible for coordinating sales, marketing and aftersales in the aforementioned GMIO markets, and for market performance as well as bolstering how consumers view and consider the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Holden and Cadillac brands, which can help strengthen demand for the automaker's models in these regions.

"Growth in China and other emerging markets is important to the company's future," stated Ed Whitacre, the automaker's chairman and chief executive officer. "We are counting on Susan to make a significant contribution and I am glad to have her running this critical part of our business."

GM president of North America Mark Reuss added: "Susan has given her all to GM for many years. She has set the foundations for our future in North America and takes significant domestic and international experience and expertise to her new position. We wish her every success."