Gerald Johnson, who is seen here speaking at the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Engineering Deans Breakfast of the BEYA STEM Conference, has been appointed executive vice president, Global Manufacturing, General Motors Co. announced today.

At the 2019 BEYA STEM Conference, Johnson himself presented the Gerald Johnson Legacy Award on February 9. Legacy awards honor BEYA winners for significant contributions to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.

Johnson succeeds 2018 Black Engineer of the Year Alicia Boler Davis, who is leaving GM to pursue other opportunities.  The move is effective April 1.

In his new role, Johnson will lead GM’s global manufacturing operations, manufacturing engineering and labor relations organizations. He will be a member of the GM Senior Leadership Team and will report to GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra.

“Gerald’s passion for the business, strong leadership skills and extensive manufacturing and labor experience will help in our efforts to continue to transform the company, supporting both the core business and future of mobility,” said Barra in a statement.

Prior to his position leading GM’s North American Manufacturing, Johnson served as vice president of Operational Excellence, where he worked to develop and execute an enterprise-wide cultural transformation with a focus on process discipline, continuous improvement, and waste elimination. Under his leadership, a team of Lean Six Sigma experts developed a training initiative and coached employees in projects that improved the company’s operations efficiency.

The Gerald Johnson Legacy Award honors BEYA winners in the automobile industry with a track record for operational excellence, as well as leadership in training and mentoring.