Kevin E. Wale was named the new chairman and managing director of GM China Thursday after his predecessor Philip Murgaugh quit two days ago, according to sources with the General Motors Corp.

Kevin Wale used to be GM Europe vice president and chairman of the Vauxhall Mortors and GM Britain. Before he joined Vauxhall, Wale took charge of the financial sector of GM's Asia unit, which covers 15 countries in the region.

Kevin Wale was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1954. He is a graduate of Melbourne University, where he obtained a bachelor of commerce degree with honors. He holds additional qualifications from the General Motors Institute in the United States.

Wale has worked in various roles within sales, marketing, planning, finance and general management. His background in the region and ability to work with his partners made him a natural candidate to participate in developing China's automobile sector, said GM chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner.

Wale will live in Shanghai, China's largest metropolis, and take charge of GM business in China, including Hong Kong and Taiwan.