David Herman, vice-president for Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States for General Motors, is retiring after 29 years with the manufacturer.

Herman will continue to assist the company in a consulting role for matters in Eastern Europe.

'Dave Herman travelled and worked around the world for GM and his efforts helped to make GM the truly global enterprise it is today,' said Rick Wagoner, GM president and chief executive officer.

'We'll miss his passion and energy for international business but take comfort that his efforts will bear fruit for years to come.'

Herman has held several European posts with GM after joining the company in 1973. They include managing director of Opel Belgium, president and chief executive officer of Saab Automobile in Sweden and chairman and managing director of Adam Opel in Germany.

In June 1998, he was named to his current position based in Moscow. He was instrumental in establishing GM's joint venture company with AvtoVAZ in Russia.