SANTA MONICA, CA - Coda Holdings, a California-based developer of advanced lithium-ion power battery systems and all-electric vehicles, has named Philip Murtaugh the company's new CEO. Murtaugh was also appointed a member of Coda's board of directors.

Steven "Mac" Heller has agreed to continue with Coda as the company's executive chairman.

Murtaugh worked for General Motors for more than 30 years in various management and executive-level positions. From 1996 to 2000, Murtaugh served as executive vice president of Shanghai GM. From 2000 to 2005, he was chairman and CEO of GM China.

Over a period of 10 years, Murtaugh grew GM's presence from 15 employees in its Shanghai operations to 15,000 employees throughout the country, while increasing the unit's revenue from $300 million to more than $7 billion. Following GM, Murtaugh served as executive vice president of international operations for Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. (SAIC). In his next executive role, Murtaugh was CEO of Asia operations for Chrysler, where he grew sales by 30 percent during his tenure.

Most recently, Murtaugh has been a director of Lear Corp., as well as a consultant and advisor to numerous sales and manufacturing companies.

"I look forward to joining an experienced group of professionals on Coda's management team and board in California and abroad," Murtaugh said. "It is impressive to see all that they have accomplished in such a short period of time, from the formation of international partnerships to green technology breakthroughs that are truly world class."

Miles L. Rubin, Coda's founder and co-chairman, will retire as co-chairman but continue his active involvement as a director and the company's largest shareholder.