She replaces Don Johnson, 53, who will get a new assignment. Docherty, 47, will report to Tim Lee, president of GM's international operations. She will assume her new duties on June 1.

"Growth in China and other emerging markets is important to the company's future," said CEO Ed Whitacre in a Monday statement.丂 "We are counting on Susan to make a significant contribution, and I am glad to have her running this critical part of our business."

GM sells nearly half of its vehicles within its international sector, which includes Asia, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Russia and the former Soviet republics.

Like other automakers, GM views these regions as the auto industry's high-growth markets. In the first quarter of 2010, GM sold 260,400 units in China, up 100 percent over the same period a year earlier.

Previously, Docherty was GM's vice president of U.S. marketing. Three weeks ago, she was replaced by Joel Ewanick, the former marketing chief for Hyundai Motor America. GM said at the time that Docherty would get a new assignment.