GM Canada President Receives 'Trailblazer Award' from Rainbow PUSH Coalition

DETROIT, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Kevin Williams, president and managing director of GM Canada, was recognized today for his innovative leadership and commitment to workplace diversity, receiving the "Trailblazer Award" during the 2010 Global Automotive Summit held by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

"I am honored to pay special tribute to Kevin's many successes and commitment to helping others," said Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., president and founder of Rainbow PUSH Coalition. "Despite challenges that prove insurmountable to many, Kevin sets a strong example as an inspiration to us all."

Williams is the first GM executive to receive the "Trailblazer Award" from Rainbow PUSH, a progressive international membership organization advocating for social change. The award is presented to those who have not only achieved success as corporate leaders, but who have also assisted in paving the way for others.

The youngest of 12 siblings and the first to earn a college degree, Williams began his GM career in 1983 as a reliability analyst at Buick City in Flint, Michigan. Williams has steadily progressed to hold leadership positions across many areas of the business. His most recent assignments include GM vice president and general manager of Service and Parts Operations, president and managing director of GM de Mexico, and vice president of quality for GM North America, during which time he also served as Chairman of the GM African Ancestry Network, as well as Chairman of the Funding Board for the Black United Fund of Michigan. Williams is currently a member of the GM Diversity Leadership Team.

"Throughout my career, I have always worked hard to ensure that equality of opportunity exists for everyone, and I am truly honored to receive this award," said Williams. "While I never expected to be recognized simply for doing the right thing, I hope that we can all use milestones like these to re-focus, re-calibrate, and continue pushing for positive change."

GM has a strong commitment to promoting and supporting diversity initiatives, and has been previously recognized by Rainbow PUSH, including the Building Bridges Award in 2009, Automotive Company of the Year in 2007, and the Trade Advocate Award in 2007.

About General Motors – General Motors, one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908.  With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 208,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in more than 120 countries.  GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 31 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands:  Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, FAW, GMC, Daewoo, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling.  GM's largest national market is China, followed by the United States, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy.  GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.  General Motors acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation.  More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.

About General Motors of Canada Limited

Headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario, General Motors of Canada Limited (GMCL) employs over 9,000 people across the country and is a recognized leader in green manufacturing.  GMCL markets the full range of fuel-efficient Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles and related services through Canada's largest automotive dealer network, which employs over 23,000 people dedicated to delivering a top customer experience. GMCL also plays a leadership role in automotive design and engineering, engaging in innovative research and development partnerships with leading Canadian universities and research institutes. In addition, through its Canadian Engineering Centers, GMCL conducts development activities ranging from cold weather testing to the advancement of key electric vehicle and green technologies.  www.gm.ca.

About Rainbow PUSH Coalition

The Rainbow PUSH Coalition is a progressive organization devoted to protecting, defending and expanding civil rights to improve economic and educational opportunity. The organization is headquartered at 930 E. 50th St. in Chicago. To learn more, please visit http://www.rainbowpush.org.

SOURCE General Motors