Oshawa, ontario (December 2, 2014) —  David W. Paterson has rejoined GM Canada. The company announced the appointment of Paterson as vice president, corporate and environmental affairs.  He will also work as part of GM’s global public policy and communications organizations.

Previously, Neil Macdonald managed GM Canada’s corporate affairs issues. He was also GM Canada’s general counsel and corporate secretary.  Macdonald has elected to retire effective March 1, 2015.

Most recently, Paterson was global senior vice president, government relations for BlackBerry and prior to that was senior vice president, corporate affairs for Manulife Financial.  He led corporate affairs at GM Canada between 2003 and 2009.  He also currently serves as the vice chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

GM Canada president and managing director, Stephen K. Carlisle said, “I am very pleased to welcome David back to GM.  His extensive experience and strong relationships will be a great asset to GM as we continue to build an innovative, profitable and customer-focused business in Canada based on world-leading vehicles and technologies.”

I would like to thank Neil for leading both the corporate affairs and legal functions at GM Canada throughout a historic period for General Motors of Canada,” said Carlisle.  “We are grateful for his leadership and dedication.”

Paterson will report jointly to Bob Ferguson, senior vice president of global public policy for General Motors; Tony Cervone, senior vice president of global communications for General Motors; and Stephen Carlisle, president and managing director of GM Canada.  He will be a member of GM Canada’s Executive Committee.

Macdonald will remain as General Counsel.  A successor will be named at a later date.

SOURCE GM Canada