Mark Adams GM new boss to lead Buick/Opel

General Motors is further strengthening the connection between its Buick and Opel brands by appointed a new design head to lead both divisions.

Just weeks after GM CEO Dan Akerson signaled that Buick and Opel would increase their product-sharing efforts, the Detroit-based automaker announced last week sweeping changes that will put the design direction of both brands under the leadership of Mark Adams.

Currently the executive director of Global Cadillac and Buick Design, Adams will return to Germany to take up his new post as GME vice president, Design, which will include the responsibility of championing “Opel/Buick brand strategies and design language.”

“I am confident that this alignment will continue to unite our global team around its passion for designing vehicles that make an emotional connection with customers – and our mission that every new product we develop has to be a great vehicle,” said Ed Welburn, vice president, Global Design.

Buick and Opel currently share two vehicles – the Buick Encore/Opel Mokka and Buick Regal/Opel Insignia – but that relationship will likely spread to other vehicles and segments in the coming years, including the potential return of the Astra to U.S. shores.