CAIRO, Egypt, May 21, 2026 — General Motors (GM) Egypt and Africa today announced a leadership transition as the company accelerates the introduction of new technologies, brands, and vehicles to the region.
After a distinguished 40-year career with GM, Sharon Nishi, chair and managing director of GM Egypt and Africa, will retire on August 31, 2026.
Rohan Fernandes, currently managing director, Commercial Operations, Africa and Middle East (AME), will succeed Nishi. To ensure a seamless handover, Nishi and Fernandes will begin transitioning leadership responsibilities immediately, effective 1 June 2026.
"Sharon has led a significant transformation of GM’s business in Egypt and Africa, positioning us to compete and grow," said Jorge Plata, president and managing director, General Motors Africa and Middle East. "We thank her for four decades of dedicated service and for her pivotal role in strengthening and optimizing our Egypt and Africa organization."
On Fernandes’ appointment, Plata added: "Rohan brings deep commercial strategy and operational experience that will be critical as GM builds on its momentum in Egypt and Africa."
Driving Growth and Innovation
Under Nishi’s leadership, GM Egypt and Africa expanded its commercial vehicle market share, re-entered the passenger car market with the locally produced Chevrolet Optra, laid the groundwork for export operations, and strengthened supplier partnerships and government collaboration and launched Cadillac with our partners at Mansour Automotive Group.
"My time at GM Egypt and Africa has been defined by transformation, resilience, and the power of this team," said Nishi. "Together, we restored Chevrolet’s leadership, advanced electric mobility, welcomed back Cadillac, and built a stronger foundation for the future."
Commenting on his new role, Fernandes said: "I am honored to join GM Egypt and Africa at such a pivotal time. The region represents a significant opportunity for growth. I look forward to working with the team and our partners to deliver outstanding choices for customers across our internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) portfolios from brands they know and trust."
Fernandes joined GM in 2016 and has held senior leadership roles across Customer Care and Aftersales, as well as Commercial Operations. He brings over 25 years of international experience across the automotive and energy sectors, with a proven track record of transforming multi-country businesses and driving sustainable growth in the Middle East, Central Asia and Oceania markets.
Nishi began her career with GM Canada in 1986, building a global career spanning three continents, six countries, and nine cities. Her previous senior positions include Regional Director Sales and Marketing Latin America, Africa and Middle East; General Director of Chevrolet in China; Regional Marketing Director, GM International Operations; Regional Director Central Canada and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), GM Africa and Middle East.