Sweeney named head of Buick-GMC

General Motors Co. tapped Buick GMC general sales manager Brian Sweeney as the new head of the brands, replacing Michael Richards who resigned last week after nine days on the job, according to sources.

Sweeney has been the interim head of Buick-GMC since Richards' departure. The appointment, which is expected to be formally announced Thursday, solidifies management ranks upended last week by the surprise retirement of Chevrolet Vice President Brent Dewar and Richards' resignation. Dewar had been appointed to lead the automaker's largest and most important brand five months ago.

The appointment also continues the trend of moving younger executives into critical positions at GM -- a trend started last summer by the appointment of Bryan Nesbitt, 40, as general manager of Cadillac.

Susan Docherty, head of GM sales and marketing and former head of Buick-GMC, would neither confirm nor deny Sweeney's appointment.

Sweeney was instrumental in marketing the Buick, GMC and Pontiac brands through one channel and the consolidation of three marketing and advertising agencies, Docherty said.

"People talk about (GM north American President Mark) Reuss having oil running through his veins; Brian Sweeney not only has it running through his veins, but his heart," Docherty said. "He is a tireless leader who can command the respect of dealers."

Sweeney, 42, has held several posts at GM including vice president of sales at Saab Cars USA and sales manager of GM's north-central region. He started his GM career at GMC in 1990 and has worked as truck merchandising manager and later manager of sales and service promotions for Pontiac-GMC. He has held regional divisional marketing manager positions for Pontiac-GMC, Chevrolet and Oldsmobile.