GENERAL Motors today confirmed that Nick Reilly was taking charge of its European operations, including the Vauxhall plant in Ellesmere Port and its 2,100 staff.

Mr Reilly, a former plant director at Ellesmere Port, had already been leading GM’s restructuring efforts in Europe while also leading GM’s other international businesses.

Mr Reilly was today named as president of GM Europe. His place as president of GM International Operations will be taken by Tim Lee.

The latest restructure follows this week’s announcement that chief executive officer Frederick “Fritz” Henderson was to step down after eight months in charge.  Company chairman Ed Whitacre has taken over on a temporary basis.

Mr Reilly joined GM in 1975. He was plant director at Vauxhall Ellesmere Port from 1990 to 1994.

He served as chairman and managing director of Vauxhall Motors from 1996 to 2001 before becoming chief executive of GM company Daewoo in South Korea.

He said: "I’m extremely pleased to be able to lead Opel and Vauxhall through the current difficult times and into a sustainable future.

"As a European, I’m totally committed to Opel/Vauxhall’s future success. There are a lot of challenges ahead, and it won’t be an easy ride, but I’m convinced that all ingredients are there to make it work.

"I’m leaving a fantastic job as president of GM International Operations (GMIO) – and I’m leaving Shanghai and the GMIO operations with very mixed feelings.

"We created an outstanding business there with great people and great partners. Even while I will be based in Europe now, I’ll keep in close contact with my many friends and the entire team there. I’m completely confident that GMIO is in great hands with Tim Lee. GMIO will continue to grow and will become even stronger in the many emerging markets where we do business."