Jim Campbell takes charge as global VP of motorsports at GM
- Jim Campbell has been appointed Global Vice President of Special Performance Vehicles and Motorsports, focusing on GM's motorsports program.
- He has extensive experience in various leadership roles within GM and previously led motorsports activities in IndyCar, NASCAR, and NHRA.
- His leadership is expected to significantly impact GM's competitive positioning in global motorsports, especially with the introduction of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team in 2026.
In a significant move for General Motors, Jim Campbell was appointed as Global Vice President of Special Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. This announcement came after a long career of over 35 years at GM, where he held multiple roles within the company, focusing particularly on its various motorsports operations. Campbell, who previously managed GM's motorsports activities across IndyCar, NASCAR, Sports Cars, and NHRA, aims to align the company's racing programs with its commercial operations, particularly leveraging the new Cadillac Formula 1 Team set to debut in 2026. This strategic shift aims to boost the Cadillac and GM brands on an international scale, presenting a bold step forward into the world of Formula 1, a sport known for its global reach and prestige. GM is looking to make a strong impression as they prepare to join the Formula 1 grid with a fully American entry in the upcoming 2026 season. Mark Reuss, GM President, voiced confidence in Campbell's ability to lead this entrance as a clear indication of GM's ambition to redefine their legacy in the motorsports arena. The company’s history in racing has deep roots; GM's Chevrolet brand experienced notable achievements in IndyCar, including a return to the series in 2012 after a six-year wait. Since then, Chevrolet has won the IndyCar Manufacturers Championship nine times, showing their competitiveness against Honda, which has had success in recent seasons. It is essential to note that although Chevrolet has shown strength historically, the brand has faced challenges with Honda's recent performance in the 2025 season, where Honda secured 11 wins in just 12 races, creating a competitive pressure. This indicates that while Campbell's leadership is crucial, achieving success will require ongoing strategic adjustments and innovations. His experience, particularly in commercial operations and product marketing, will play a vital role in not only revitalizing GM’s racing image but ensuring it translates into meaningful success on the racetrack. As Campbell carries out his new responsibilities, he will focus on creating synergy within GM's teams across global motorsports found in engineering and design sectors. His existing role as chief product officer in GM China adds to his expertise, making him well-suited for this challenging task. Additionally, Campbell is tasked with maintaining the ongoing restructuring of GM’s premium import operations. Overall, this appointment marks a transformative era for GM as it embarks on a journey to not only reclaim its status in American racing but also to extend its influence onto the prestigious Formula 1 stage.