After a remarkable career spanning over four decades, Ed Peper is bidding adieu to General Motors. His influence and impact on the company have been nothing short of extraordinary, and his retirement marks the end of an era.

A GM Veteran

Ed Peper joined General Motors in 1984, making him a quintessential GM veteran. The dedication and passion he brought to the company throughout his successful career has been influential in shaping the company into what we know today. His 39 plus-years with General Motors encompassed various significant roles and milestones, positioning him as a true icon within the automotive industry.

Peper’s Career Highlights

Ed kickstarted his career as a district sales manager, where he showcased his innate ability for management and sales from the very beginning. As he climbed the ranks within the company, he took charge of the Chevrolet brand in 2005, serving as the General Manager of the North American division.

One of his significant accomplishments was launching the Chevrolet Silverado and helping it attain record-breaking sales. In 2009, Peper stepped into the role of Vice President of Fleet and Commercial Sales, playing a crucial role in the growth and management of GM’s commercial business operations.

In recent years, Peper held additional leadership positions in GM’s commercial operations.

Peper played a pivotal role in advancing General Motors’ fleet initiatives and championing sustainable development through GM Envolve. His recent positions, directing sales support, fleet services, and remarketing, further deepened his role in the commercial realm.

Ed Peper arrives on stage in a Silverado EV Work Truck during the 2023 GM Solutions Summit event. The Silverado EV is being launched with fleet customers first, not retail; a huge win for GM’s commercial business as well as its fleet and commercial customers.  

Under his leadership, GM Fleet saw substantial growth, solidifying its position as a market leader, while he persistently focused on the needs of commercial customers. Moreover, Peper helped shepherd innovative fleet solutions by integrating alternative propulsion vehicles, all in the pursuit of reducing emissions. In line with that vision, he was instrumental in the creation and development of GM Envolve, a new business unit encompassing products, technologies and services that can help its fleet customers. His steadfast commitment to sustainable transformation in the fleet industry leaves an enduring and positive impact on the company, setting the bar high for future innovations.

Peper’s Legacy

Ed Peper’s leadership and guidance have left an indelible mark on General Motors in more ways than one. His impressive career saw him:

1. Drive innovation: Under his tenure, Ed made significant strides in driving innovation, including the incorporation of electric, autonomous, and connected vehicles into the company’s fleet lineup.
2. Build strong relationships: Peper played an integral role in nurturing relationships with both dealers and customers, laying the groundwork for fruitful partnerships.
3. Pilot growth and development: Ed’s strategic thinking and proactive approach led to an overall upward trajectory in the sales and market share for the various brands and departments he managed.

Final Words

As Ed Peper hangs up his hat at General Motors, his retirement marks a pivotal chapter in General Motors’ commercial history. His contributions to refining and transforming GM’s commercial and fleet strategies will always be appreciated. As he retires, we laud his impact in forging a leading commercial and sustainable footprint for GM, and wish him the best in his retirement.

Ed Peper’s legacy with General Motors is intertwined with business and professional accomplishments, especially with commercial and fleet development. But Ed’s personal commitment always begins and ends with people.

“The fleet business is a relationship business.  You won’t be successful if you don’t have great relationships with customers, dealers, and the people you work with.  I don’t count success only as sales, but also in the number of friends I’ve made along the way.”

—Ed Peper

Ed never lost sight of his roots in sales trenches and could often be found celebrating and lauding the accomplishments of GM rank and file employees whom he considered the backbone of the company.

“Ed has been a great supporter, fan, and friend of mine for many years. I appreciate all that he’s done in the past and the road he’s helped pave for the future.”

—AJ Hewitson, Commercial & Fleet Sales Director at Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac

“Treat people with respect.  There are a lot of rules in business, but I have yet to find a better rule than the Golden Rule.”

—Ed Peper