[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]John Buttermore has been appointed interim President and CEO of GM Korea Co., effective immediately. He is replacing Mike Arcamone, who has elected to leave GM and the automotive industry and return to his native Canada. A permanent replacement will be announced at a later date.

“We are fortunate to have an experienced and trusted professional like John to lead our outstanding team in Korea on a temporary basis,” said Tim Lee, President of GM International Operations (GMIO).

Buttermore joined GM’s Rochester Products Division in Rochester, New York, in 1978 after serving in the U.S. Navy. He has held several important positions in engineering, manufacturing and labor relations, including GM North America Vice President of Labor Relations and GM Powertrain Vice President of Global Manufacturing.

Since September 2009, Buttermore has served as GMIO Vice President of Manufacturing. In addition to overseeing the region’s growing network of production facilities, he also has oversight responsibility for GM’s business operations in Africa and Southeast Asia.

Lee added, “GM thanks Mike for his dedication to our company and important contribution to the growth of our business in Korea, including last year’s very successful launch of the Chevrolet brand and eight new models in the Korean market.”